The International Lacrosse Federation today announced that it will sanction the first-ever world indoor lacrosse championship tournament, to be held next spring in southern Ontario.

"Southern Ontario is full of enthusiastic supporters of the game, which should make our initiative successful," organizing committee chairman Jim Calder said.

The championship, scheduled for 22 May to 7 June 2003, had been in the works for some time.

The United States and the Czech Republic have committed to send teams to face the host Canadians, the Iroquois Nation is almost certain to follow suit, and Australia is considering an entry. As many as ten teams could participate.

Venues for preliminary-round games have not been decided, although Ontario Lacrosse Association arenas likely will be selected. The championship game will be held in Toronto.

Box lacrosse has been played for nearly ten years in the Czech Republic, and new leagues have begun in Australia, Britain, Germany, Japan and Sweden. All six nations are sending teams to the World Lacrosse Championship (field lacrosse) this July in Australia.

In the meantime, the United States and Canada have agreed to meet in a game on 5 October. The "Heritage Cup" will be held at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

Johnny Mouradian, former general manager of the NLL's Buffalo Bandits, Toronto Rock and Ottawa Rebel, has been named to that position for Team Canada, while Washington Power general manager Steve Govett will be his opposite for the Americans.

"It is an (honor) to be involved as lacrosse, Canada's national summer sport, makes the next step in its growth," says Mouradian. "Canada is responsible for creation of the indoor game and is home to many of the best players in the world.

"We are looking forward to recruiting a group of coaches and athletes to represent our country and share indoor lacrosse with the rest of the world."