DKR and the Varese Skorpions: when sport is pure passion and unites everyone

Summary

There are experiences that are born out of work and then, almost without realising it, go beyond that. They become a memory, an emotion, a feeling of having been part of something great. Like DKR, a company specialising in production of water dispensers for water houses, Horeca sector, offices and schools, we know that proper hydration is the fuel behind every great performance. That is why, when we had the pleasure and honour of being technical suppliers of the Powerchair Hockey Tournament, organised by the ASD Skorpions Varese, we immediately knew it would be a special adventure.

A collaboration that was born almost by chance, during a meeting at the trade fair, and grew thanks to the passion of people like Fabio Mantiero, Vice President and athlete, and his mother, Mrs Paola Mazzucchelli, the backbone of the organisation.

The Varese Skorpions: a history of excellence and determination and the meeting with DKR

For those not familiar with them, the Skorpions Varese are much more than a team: they are the only Powerchair Hockey club in the province of Varese. Born in 2003 from the vision of Claudio Carelli and carried on today by his son Giordano, the team's president, they are a symbol of how passion can overcome any obstacle.

It is no coincidence that they are the most successful team in Italy, many of their athletes have worn the national team jersey and in 2021 they received the Bronze Star for Sporting Merit from the Italian Paralympic Committee. A palmarès that speaks for itself.

A weekend in Besnate: chronicle of an unexpected emotion

Our salesman Stefano went to the Besnate gym on the last weekend of August, initially with a double objective: to ensure that our water dispensers guaranteed optimal hydration for athletes and spectators, and to satisfy a personal curiosity about a sport he was unfamiliar with. What he found went far beyond all expectations.

But what is the Powerchair Hockey? It is a dynamic and strategic discipline where five players per team compete on electronic wheelchairs. Each athlete has a floorball bat, but the real genius lies in the T-stick, a tool that allows those with reduced or no function in their upper limbs to play, making the sport truly inclusive.

The tournament was of international level, with eight outstanding teams: besides the hosts Skorpions Varese, there were the Belgian champions APHC Antwerp, Cyber Falcons from Switzerland, Spanish champions Dracs Cea, New Cavaliers Prague from the Czech Republic, Upward Arnhem from the Netherlands and even Power Hockey Canada.

'I arrived as the final for third and fourth place was about to be played,' says Stefano, 'which pitted the Skorpions against the Spanish Dracs Cea team. It was an incredible game. When it seemed to be over, the Spaniards scored a very important goal that took the teams to the Golden Goal, where they eventually won."

But the most beautiful moment, the one that defines the spirit of the event, came after the final whistle. "Despite the competitive heat and tension of the moment," Stefano continues, "the players shook hands and their faces contracted from the effort melted into a collective smile. Winning is important, but putting on a show like that was even more so."

Stadium cheering and a sense of community with DKR

What made everything even more magical was the audience. "I was literally surprised," admits Stefano. "Choirs, chants, a continuous cheer to push the athletes to give their best. In comparison, San Siro can only accompany. There was an air of festivity, of community, which reminded me of my oratory days during the big events. I hardly knew anyone, yet I immediately felt part of something."

At DKR, our job is not only to provide high-quality water delivery systems, but also to promote values of sustainability and community, as demonstrated by our participation in "Do the right thing!". Seeing our facilities at the centre of an event with such high human and competitive value was the perfect summation of our commitment. Providing the simplest but most essential element - great water for hydration - to these extraordinary athletes, tireless staff and such a warm audience reminded us why we do what we do.

We are proud to have played our part and we hope that this discipline will continue to grow and make a name for itself, because it deserves to. And we will be happy to continue supporting those who, like the Varese Skorpions, turn sport into a life lesson for everyone.