President Obama encourage Ivano Balic to come to New York
1) President Obama invites Ivano Balic to attend this year’s New York City Big Apple Classic. In an amusing and obviously doctored video President Obama encourages the Croatian star to attend the New Year’s Eve tournament. Personally, I would give only about 25% chance as to whether the President is even familiar with the sport of team handball. This might sound low, but as he’s more of a worldly sports fan it’s probably higher than the average American and significantly higher than any of our previous presidents.
Video: Link
Big Apple Tournament Facebook Page: Link
THN Article on former Croatian Coach, Lino Cervar meeting then President George Bush: Link
2) Brazil and Argentina Men’s National Teams with friendly matches and training. Both Brazil and Argentina are taking advantage of the lull in European club competitions. With several players playing in France, Argentina is training in Ivry, a suburb of Paris. Brazil is in Tunisia for a tournament against Tunisia, Russia and Belarus .
Brazil Federation (Portugese): Link
Argentina Federation Page (contains video and written updates for the trip): Link
3) Brazilian women sweep competition in friendly tournament. Brazil defeated Croatia (32-23), Norway (28-24) and Hungary (28-26) in a tournament last weekend in Hungary. Based on those results they appear to be in top form for the upcoming the World Championships in Serbia this December. Good news for Pan American nations as a top 9 finish will provide an extra slot for PATHF nations in 2015.
Brazilian Federation (Portugese): Link
4) Puerto Ricans ply their handball trade in Guadalupe. The French overseas departments of Guadalupe and Martinique have developed several French national team players over the years. Now their club leagues have become a nearby option for Puerto Ricans to play competitively. Hiraldo Hector Cepeda is the latest, joining his sister, Sheila and Ciris Garcia in Guadalupe
Mundo Handball (Spanish): Link
5) Chilean is hired gun for Iranian Club. Chile’s top scorer in many PATHF events, Rodrigos Salinas, is being loaned out by his Spanish Club team, Granollers to an Iranian club for a 10 day stint. Apparently, he will boost the club’s lineup for an upcoming championship match.
Mundo Handball (Spanish): Link
6) New rules proposed for “over age 35” handball. Dr. Juan L. Antón-García proposes that the court length be shortened, each team plays with one few player, no physical contact and 4 passes before every shot. Coach Dale of Hickory High in Indiana would approve of the last concept. I’m also guessing that defending U.S. National Champions, NYAC, are scoffing at the prospect of special rules for players over the age of 35. Maybe at age 55 they’ll consider them.
EHF Periodials: Link