THN article on Greenland’s Status Change: -link-

I’m an American and I don’t care what the sport is I’m always going to root for the team with USA written on their jerseys. As someone who had the opportunity to wear one of those jerseys several years ago I’m even more passionate about USA Team Handball squads. But when Team USA isn’t playing I feel free to pick a side. This past January at the Handball World Championships , I had the opportunity to see several of the Handball “minnows” play in the President’s Cup and it didn’t take me long to pick a 2nd favourite team- the team from way up North where the sun doesn’t shine much in the winter and the names are unpronounceable.

I am, of course, talking about Greenland. And judging by the reactions of the German crowds I wasn’t alone in this respect. But, there are more reasons than just being a “feel good” story for keeping Greenland as a full member in the PATHF. Herewith are those reasons as I see it:

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MarkTelthorster 18 Apr : 22:46 Reply to this

I would not want Greenland's success used as a reason to have them downgraded. But should the USA get to field basketball teams [especially Jr.'s] from California, New York, Texas, Florida etc. just because we could? And be competitive? And some exceptions occur, but most teams in UEFA wait for the F.I. as a time to boost up the goal differential and rest top players [or bring them back from injury].

John Ryan 18 Apr : 23:51 Reply to this

Yeah, 20 years ago, the US could have fielded 4 regionsal basketball teams and took the top 4 places, but those days are gone. And 20 years ago Yugoslavia could make the same case for Team Handball. And what do you know, they split up into separate nations just to prove it. The reality is that the concept of what constitutes a nation isn't always clear cut. Try telling someone from Scotland that he is English sometime and you will understand what I'm saying.

MarkTelthorster 19 Apr : 03:19 Reply to this

I know people from Scotland, and you are definatly right about that! No argument from me, Greenland is in this hemispere, and should compete here. I used to live in Labrador, and summer seemed to be about 2 weeks long. I would think playing handball, basketball, volleyball, etc would look a whole lot better than soccer football or other outside sports [except winter sports]. I would think the USA would not be wholly responsible any changed policy. Chile and other Latin Am. nations trying to stay competitive with Brazil and Argentina are probably just as culpable.

Bogdan 20 Apr : 01:36 Reply to this

Is Greenland sending anyone to the IHF conference in Madrid? That is what I want to know... Call me nosey!

bjoern 20 Apr : 09:06 Reply to this

I find the feelgood story most convincing