The International Handball Federation (IHF) announced the first international handball week, from July 12 to 18. Occasion in which the founding of the institution is remembered, on July 12, 1946.
IHF President Dr. Hassan Moustafa said: “In introducing International Handball Week, we at the IHF seek to create an annual week of celebration of our sport. While the week will be marked each year in the future, this year we recognize the growing importance of solidarity and togetherness of our handball community, virtually. We look forward to celebrating this occasion together”.
Celebrations will include the voting and announcement of the 2019 IHF World Players of the Year and the 2019 IHF World Coaches of the Year. As usual, five players and five coaches have been nominated in men’s and women’s handball, with the final decision to be determined by a fan vote that will take place in the run-up to the SIB. The winners will be announced at the end of the SIB.
The IHF has invited continental and national federations from around the world to participate. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the hope was that special matches and courses would be held. While this is no longer possible in most countries where IHF member federations are located, it was determined that it was even more important to introduce the SIB 2020.
The week is not only a way to celebrate handball at a time when sports almost everywhere in the world have stopped or are only slowly restarting, but it is an opportunity to show strength in unity, as handball us It unites everyone, and draws people together when it’s hard to really get together.
Handball Olympic Sport
When we talk about handball we must remember that it is an Olympic sport, because we do not forget that in Olympism we refer to a philosophy that combines the qualities of the body, will and spirit, allying sport with culture and education, as established by the Olympic Charter. Furthermore, as a movement it aims to create a lifestyle based on the joy of effort, the value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
This month of June will be full of news and events that allow us to remember the original foundations of the practice of sport, and in particular handball.
Photos: IHF/Fernando Esporte
