PANAM Games Review with Canadian Women’s Head Coach Mike Nahmiash

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John Ryan interviews Canadian Women’s Head Coach Mike Nahmiash and gets his take on the Men’s and Women’s Team Handball competition at the recent Pan American Games. Topics include the surprising Cuban Teams, the Brazilian Women prospects at the World Championships, the Brazil Argentina Gold Medal Game brawl, the lack of Canadian government funding, and the possibility of a Handball gambling scandal similar to the NBA.

https://teamhandballnews.com/request37.html
Right click to download; Left click to play

USOC National Governing Body (NGB) Applications Now On Line

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The two bid applications to become the new National Governing Body (NGB) for Team Handball in the United State are now on line at the USOC’s website.

Utah Team Handball Foundation (UTHF): http://www.usolympicteam.com/UTHF_Application.pdf
American Team Handball Association (ATHA): http://www.usolympicteam.com/ATHA_Application0001.pdf

I’ve only done a preliminary review of both bids and will take a closer look in the near future. Of particular note in the UTHF bid is the requirement of the 7 Board of Directors to contribute $50,000 and the personal guarantee of Dieter Esch, the President of the Organizing Team, to front the $350,000 while board membership is organized. According to a simple Google search, Dieter Esch is the owner of the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency

USOC Pulls Funding from USA National Team Programs and Club Competitions/ 2 Bids Announced for New NGB

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In a letter dated July 30, 2007 and addressed to National Team players, club teams and referees, the USOC announced that resources dedicated to funding USA National Team programs was being redirected to other programs. This decision is a result of the US programs failing to qualify for the Pan American Games and the Olympics. Furthermore, the letter indicates that no funding will be applied to club programs in 2007 and possibly 2008 in order to ensure that the USOC’s upcoming National Governing Body (NGB) selection process is not perceived as biased.

The letter additionally states that the Dekalb International Training Center (DITC), near Atlanta has been recognized as a resident training center for the Men’s and possibly Women’s Team programs. It’s not clear, however, whether funding from the USOC will be provided to support a resident program as this would contradict the earlier portion of the letter which indicates that funding is being redirected

[b]Bid Process Status[/b]: A letter indicating that two organizations have submitted bids to become the new NGB for Team Handball is posted on the USOC’s Web site http://www.usolympicteam.com/Public_Notice0001.pdf . The two organizations are the American Team Handball Association (ATHA) and the Utah Team Handball Foundation. (UTHF). The ATHA includes representatives from several clubs, and Team Handball News’ co-editor Bogdan Pasat. The UTHF bid is led by Amir Hasic and also reportedly includes support from Dennis Berkholtz, who has close ties to the DITC. It is indicated in the USOC letter that the applications from both bids will be published at this USOC site http://www.usolympicteam.com/12699.htm , but as of this writing they are not yet posted. Finally, an open hearing is scheduled for 30 August in Colorado Springs for which it will be possible to phone in to and listen. Team Handball News will endeavor to tape the open hearing and provide a podcast for those who can’t make the call in.

Text of the USOC Letter

TO: Members of the Women’s National Team

Members of the Men’s National Team

Current Clubs and Teams

Referees

FROM: Jay Warwick and Michael D. Cavanaugh

DATE: July 30, 2007

SUBJECT: Status and Forecast

As most of you are aware, the USOC has posted notice of a Request for Proposals (RFP) from entities that opt to submit an application to be recognized as the next National Governing Body (NGB) for Team Handball in the USA. A timeline was established for that process and all clubs were sent a copy of both the notice and timeline. The application submission date was July 23 and the USOC received two applications from the American Team Handball Association and the Utah Team Handball Foundation. These applications, as well as a public notice for hearings set on August 30 and September 13, can be found on the USOC’s website at http://www.usolympicteam.com/12699.htm. If you have additional questions, you may contact Eric Parthen, Director of NGB Organizational Development at 719.866.3030 or eric.parthen@usoc.org.

Ever since the USOC decertified USA Team Handball as the recognized NGB (February, 2006) the USOC has continued to support the Women’s National Team (WNT) and the Men’s National Team (MNT) for domestic training and competition opportunities within a limited budget. During this time period the USOC also continued to support the vast majority of regional club tournaments and Open and College Nationals, also within a limited budget. The USOC accepted the position that the clubs were the backbone of Team Handball development in the USA, that club events were seen as pipeline events for athletes who aspire for the WNT & MNT and because most club tournaments were documented as selection events for the 2007 Pan American Games (PAG).

The MNT failed to qualify for the 2007 PAG in competitions with CAN and CHI. The WNT failed to qualify for the 2007 PAG in competition against CAN and MEX. With both National Teams out of competition for the PAG (and in turn the 2008 Olympic Games) the USOC will now redirect resources to those athletes and sports that are qualified for the 2007 PAG and the 2008 Olympic Games.

Status and Forecast – page two

As mentioned, the USOC is currently engaged in the RFP process that may lead to a new NGB. This process includes a submission of an application, public hearings and internal review/recommendation and ultimately this must pass a USOC Board approval.

In the meantime, this is notice that in order to not flavor or bias the RFP process, the USOC does not plan to fund club tournaments for the remainder of 2007 and possibly 2008. Clubs that desire to continue to host events must do so without the USOC support of administration, referee expenses and insurance coverage.

The desired outcome will be that clubs will somehow find a way to continue to host tournaments and that clubs will recognize the current situation that exists and that they will support one another’s efforts to remain active through mutual participation.

Recently the USOC signed an agreement with the DeKalb International Training Center,

(DITC) located in DeKalb County, GA. This agreement will support a full time resident training center designated for the Men’s National Team. Since the execution of this agreement, officials representing DITC have also expressed a willingness to support a Women’s National Team training center. We are making plans to implementing this program at the earliest opportunity. This relationship with the DITC creates an excellent opportunity to establish a foundation for the respective national team programs.

This agreement has been in negotiations since late 2004 and the USOC saw this as a short term opportunity to establish a building foundation for the respective national team programs with the potential for significant long term growth as well both at the elite level and on the developmental level.

Thinking optimistically, with the recognition of a new NGB, it is hoped that the sport of Team Handball can emerge into a well governed organization with a deeply shared focus on common goals for growth and achievement domestically and internationally.

As always, if you have questions for either of us, you can reach us directly at the contact information listed below.

Sincerely,

Jay Warwick Michael D. Cavanaugh

Director of Sport Partnerships Manager of High Performance – Team Handball

U.S. Olympic Committee U.S. Olympic Committee

719 866 4063 719 866 4565

jay.warwick@usoc.org mike.cavanaugh@usoc.org

Cuban Handball Defection Update

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According to this news report http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/6228968.html Cuban Handball Player Rafael Dacosta Capote will play Handball for the Brazilian Club Imes after all. Previous news reports had indicated that Imes already had two foreign players (the Brazilian league maximum) and had declined his services. Apparently, the coach has had a change of heart and has decided to help the Cuban stay in Brazil.

Earlier THN article: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.351

Kicking it up a notch.

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Initially, this article was a comment I posted as feedback to another, authored by [link=https://teamhandballnews.com/comment-n359.html]Michael Chamberlain[/link]. Without a doubt, after reading it again, it is best suited as a blog entry.

It's hard not to get frustrated. This is no different than government politics. Everyone runs on a certain platform, trying to make a difference. Once they reach the top they turn dumb. In government politics you have to deal with special interest groups and the corruption associated with becoming someone's b**ch… In team handball, other than meaningless perks and a few paid international trips, sprinkled with some virtual power (nothing to lead or control), I just don't see it.

Sarcasm and personal opinion aside, how can something so bad and inefficient last for so long? I know apathy is at the root of why nothing has changed. Au contraire, matters have gone South instead.

In the end we are all responsible. The fact that we get frustrated and give up, fosters more of the same. It is time that others speak up and start developing, even if it is one high school at a time.

The development of this sport should be treated like a business. Those who have been at the helm of team handball over these past tumultuous years have, I have no doubt, had the best interests of this great sport in mind. Unfortunately, they've failed. This is nothing personal. Their failures do not make them bad people. Inept? Maybe.

Hurdle was right (and he still is, whenever he crawls from under his rock)! He called it like it was and, in the process burned a lot of bridges. Hey! TRUTH ALWAYS upsets those who HIDE IT. Hurdle did what had to be done, at the right time but in the wrong place and to the wrong people…
Never one to win you over with diplomacy, he did tell the US team handball community what they did not want to hear. He often antagonized and that was used against him. Rightfully so, I might add. Two years later, his blunt and tactless statements still ring true.

And yet, developing handball should not be a popularity contest. It is a business. Should be run as such. With goals, plans, responsibilities and, most importantly, accountability.

If you are in this business to just play handball or to further your own personal agenda, say so. It's OK to be a leech and an egomaniac. Besides, you will not be alone. Admit it and move on. You will sleep better at night.

In the end, there will be room for everyone, in this vast world of team handball… Just take a side. Burn a few bridges. Get to know your friends. Avoid your detractors. Most of us are still young enough and full of energy with plenty of enthusiasm left, to see that team handball still has a chance in the USA.

This is not about the new ATHA (of which I am a part of) or its quest to earn the NGB certification but it may as well be. Detractors will see to it to make it so…

Some (and you all know who you are…) are still looking for a free ride. Others are genuinely frustrated with the persistent status quo. Still, a small faction is out there trying to figure out new ways to fool everyone yet again. And the rest, I am happy to say, have joined the ATHA.

To each his/her own. There are options available. All you have to do is pick! That's the easy part. The hardship begins as soon as you will have to hold yourself accountable.

Don't be shy. Fire back at me… If you can spell and reason, I'd love to read what you have to say.

Brazil-Argentina Handball Brawl Youtube Video

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In the semi-finals of the Pan-American Games Handball tournament Brazilian fans cheered for Argentina against Cuba. Well, if you were wondering how long this new found affection for their bitter rivals to the south would last look no further than this video from the end of the Gold Medal game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJjpkAbBZV4

PATHF Executive Meeting (Unofficial Minutes)

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The Vice President for North America of the PATHF, Mr Dennis Berkholtz has provided us with a copy of his own personal and unofficial minutes from the PATHF Executive Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the PANAM Games. Here are a few highlights:

1) The qualification process for the 2011 PANAM Games will be similar to the process used for 2007.
2) No specific actions are planned in regards to Greenland’s downgrading https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.306 to associate membership of the PATHF. The PATHF will let the issue be resolved through arbitration.
3) Mr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst of the Dekalb International Training Center (near Atlanta) presented their plans to host the Men’s 2008 Pan American Championships. The Executive Committee then confirmed unanimously the U.S. hosting of this event, which will serve as qualification for the 2009 World Championships in Croatia.
4) Clarified the process for participation in the Men’s 2008 Pan American Championships. Brazil, Argentina, USA, Chile and Uruguay are elite teams and have already qualified for the 2008 Pan American Championships. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela are 1st Division teams. A playoff will be held in Cuba from 10-16 November with 3 of those teams moving up to the Elite Division and qualifying for participation at the Pan American Championships. (Note: Greenland was removed from the elite division as it is no longer a full PATHF member)
5) Clarified the status of other Pan American Championships (See details below)
6) Dennis Berkholtz offered up Miami as a potential venue for a Junior Men’s 1st Division Playoff.
7) Plans for a Pan-American Champions League are in development
8 ) Dennis Berkholtz briefed his efforts to develop a professional handball league in the U.S.

The text of the complete report is here:

PATHF Executive Committee Meeting
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
July 16-17, 2007

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH

Submitted by:
Dennis Berkholtz
Vice President North

Attending:
Manoel Oliveira, President, Brazil
Carlos Gonzalez Aldea, Vice President, Cuba
Mario Moccio, Vice President South, Argentina
Acacia Rojas Davis, Vice President Central, Puerto Rico
Dennis Berkholtz, Vice President North, U.S.A.
Hector Fernandez, Treasurer, Chile
Mario Garcia de la Torre, IHF Representative, Mexico
Rafeal Sepulveda, General Secretary, Puerto Rico

All members were present both days of the meeting.

NOTE: The official minutes will be presented by the Secretary Generals office. The information that follows is my interpretation of the meeting as it was translated from Spanish to English. Some of the content may differ from the Secretary Generals report

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT – Manoel Oliveira

Manoel reported on the Pan Am Games as being successfully organized and had high praise for the handball event. He gave special thanks to Rafeal, Hector, Carlos and the Brazil Handball Federation for the great preparation. The draw for seeding was successful and highly publicized and the handball games had very good press coverage. The qualification process was successful and will not be changed in future years. That means Canada vs USA and a second chance opportunity for the 2011 Games.

The 2011 Pan Am Games will be hosted by Mexico in Guadalajara.

He said he was pleased that several countries had improved their handball play citing the improvement of the Domincan Republic (M/W) and Paraquay (W) and Uruguay (M).

PATHF is in the process of organizing the World Championship Qualification Games for Juniors. (NOTE: More information to follow)

He stated that communications between the Exec Committee and the membership had improved although we must continue the improvement.

Page 2
PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

He commented on the PATHF participation at the Women’s World Championships being hosted in France in December 2007. He noted PATHF had 4 teams qualifying ath that Paraguay and Dominican Republic would be first time participants.

Manoel then gave a summary of events at the past IHF Congress noting that PATHF behind Europe is the best organized continent and the most unified and that our commissioners do a very good job representing PATHF and that we have exceptional growth in our continent. He noted that there were some problems with Mr. Miguel Roca (IHF) but that the issues have been resolved. The issues involved the allocation of Challenge Trophy funding and the communication process of discussing the issues. He noted that Mr. Roca does a good job and remains a close friend of PATHF.

NOTE: Mr. Miguel Roca is the IHF representative in charge of handball development in the Pan American countries.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL – Rafael Sepulveda

Comments on improved communication between the Exec Committee members and the membership in general. Still needs improvement. Skyp system has worked well.
Coordinated the participation of PATHF delegates to IHF Congress
Coordinated the participation of teams in the “second chance” competitions as well as the PATHF Women’s championship in Dominican Republic
Coordinated the technical delegation for the PAG in Rio
Coordinated the course for mini handball in the Central countries in Honduras
Participated in the meetings of ODEPA and ACODEPA in Rio de Janeiro
Working on the relationship of Greenland to PATHF. Greenland is appealing the decision made at the last Congress whereby Greenland will be an associate member and not allowed to participate in official PATHF championships. The process is now going to arbitration. We don’t know when it will be resolved and it will probably go through the entire legal process before resolution
Addressed the problem of Venezuela who owes past dues – (see treasurers report)

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT – Mario Moccio

Reinforced the reports of the President and Secretary General
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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMPETITION – Carlos Gonzalez

Excellent organization for the Pan American Games (PAG). Commented that the Brazilian Handball Federation worked closely with PATHF leadership to make the handball competition the best of the games
Commented on the Challenge Trophy Budget. It will benefit lower level countries competing to make the elite division (see Challenge Trophy below)
We must defend the identity of PATHF countries in the handball world. Maintaining good relationships with all countries is important. We have and must maintain good relationships with the IHF

REPORT OF THE IHF REPRESENTATIVE – Mario Garcia de la Torre

Mario reinforced the comments of the President regarding our relationship with the IHF (which is very good) and reinforced the communication problems with Mr. Miquel Roca
at the IHF Congress as being resolved with no further issues on the table

NOTE: Mario’s report was followed by responses of Hector Fernandez, Rafael Sepulveda and Acacia Rojas Davis with the general theme being that PATHF is an autonomous organization. The IHF is our ally but not our partner. We have strength and unity and are noted as one of the best Continental Federations.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER – Hector Fernandez

(NOTE: If you want a copy of the income and expense ledger contact Mr. Fernandez or Mr. Sepulveda – only available to Presidents of countries)

We must make full proof of our income and expenditures
Based on our good relationship with the IHF we are finding it easier to receive prompt and full payment of monies due for special projects
Countries in serious arrears of membership dues are Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela
a. Hector noted that some countries have no intention of paying their dues
b. New countries who have PATHF membership have not paid – not noted which countries
c. Venezuela hasn’t paid ($3,325.00US) and they took part in the Pan American second change competition (M). IT WAS NOTED THAT WE HAVE “NO PAY, NO PLAY” POLICY WHICH WAS NOT INFORCED. THE COMMITTEE REINFORCED THAT WE MUST ADHERE TO THIS POLICY

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Mr. Michael Cavanaugh requested and received permission to present an IHF CCM report to the committee

REPORT OF THE IHF COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE MEETING (CCM)
Michael Cavanaugh

Beach Handball – The IHF encourages more participation in Beach Handball events and will host future symposiums on playing and refereeing
Much discussions about future symposiums and courses for handball coaches and referees with the goal being to reach the multiplication factor – teach teachers who teach teachers who teach players, coaches and referees
Next course in mid 2008 in the U.S. The goal is to build a coaching community with PATHF.

Rafael commented that PATHF has their own CCM and that the IHF CCM and PATHF CCM must work together. Mr. Cavanaugh agreed.

——————————————————————————–

Dennis Berkholtz requested and received permission to have Mr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst present the partnership of the DeKalb International Training Center (DITC) and the U.S. Men’s National Team specifically how it relates to the 2008 Men’s PATHF Championship to be hosted in Atlanta, Ga. and the resolution of visa issues

PRESENTATION OF DITC – Marc Daniel Gutekunst

Power Point presentation of the DITC organization – www.ditc.us
Conferred with the committee, specifically Brazil and Cuba, about resolving visa issues

Based on Mr. Gutekunst’s presentation Mr. Berkholtz ask for confirmation of U.S. hosting the PATHF championships in June 2008, Atlanta, Ga. Confirmation passed unanimously.

(END OF DAY ONE)

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

CALENDAR OF COMPETITIONS
Carlos Gonzales Aldea, Vice President of COC

SENIOR MEN

Current Elite Teams – Brazil, Argentina, USA, Chile, Uruguay (NOTE – Greenland not included based on decision of PATHF Congress)

Current 1st Division Teams – Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela.

Senior Men 1st Division Playoffs – Cuba (November 10-16, 2007) – 3 teams move up to Elite Division

JUNIOR WOMEN

Current Elite Teams – Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico Mexico

Current 1st Division Teams – Paraquay, Costa Rica, Uruguay, USA, Chile, Venezuela

Junior Women 1st Division Playoffs – Chile (October TBD) – 3 teams move up

2008 COMPETITIONS

World Championships
Junior Women Brazil July 15-25
Youth Women TBD August
Beach Handball Rio de Janeiro December

Pan American Championships – Elite
Senior Men Atlanta, Ga. (USA) June 24-28
Junior Women – Elite Argentina March 11-15
Youth – Men/Women Caxias, Brazil September 9-13
Beach Handball Montevideo February 5-9

1st Division Playoffs
Junior Men TBD August
Senior Women Mexico November

Page 6
PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Current Junior Men Elite Division – Brazil, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Canada, Paraguay

Current Junior Men 1st Division – USA, Cuba

NOTE: I offered Miami as a possible site for the Junior Men’s 1st Division Playoff in August 2008 without talking to Miami representatives or USA Team Handball.

2009 COMPETITIONS

World Championships
Senior Men Croatia TBD
Junior Men Egypt TBD

Pan American Championships – Elite
Senior Women Argentina or Chile May
Junior Men Brazil March 3-7

1st Division Playoffs
Senior Women TBD TBD
Junior Women TBD TBD

Dennis Berkholtz suggested Chicago as a candidate city for the Women’s Elite Pan American Championships. However, it was pointed out that the U.S. women were not assured of a place in the Elite Championships and if they qualified through the 1st division playoff process it would be too late to award the competition to a U.S. city.

NEW BUSINESS

Champions League – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael presented a preliminary plan for an “America’s Champion League”. It is
based on the format of the European Champions League. Rafael reminded everyone that this is just a concept and will evolve over time. The basics:

PATHF owns the competition
Best teams from each continent
NGB must sanction team representing said country
Competition will not effect the budget of PATHF
Competition must be a sponsored event
Participating teams must pay their own expenses
Page 7
PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Challenge Trophy – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael presented a written proposal to the IHF May 2007 regarding the
“Challenge Trophy”. In most simple terms it is a process of funding events for lesser developed countries beginning with countries in the developmental stages and advancing to countries competing in the 1st division. Funds would be provided by the IHF to assist teams with transportation costs, accommodation costs, payment for referee’s and officials and payment for supportive equipment. Another words, assisting teams in funding for competitions in advancing from development stage to 1st division and from 1st division to elite division.

Mini Handball – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael suggested that each country should have a Mini-handball director. He
cited Mexico and Chile as countries who have implemented successful mini-handball programs and that in Mexico mini-handball has been introduced into the “School National Games”.

There will be a mini-handball symposium in Puerto Rico October 19-21, 2007. A
country may send one person to the symposium.

Promotional material for mini-handball will be available through the IHF on or
around September 1, 2007.

Upon request through PATHF an expert in consulting with start-up mini-handball
programs can be available – Mr. Steve Jorge (Denmark).

Dennis Berkholtz

Dennis ask if he could bring the committee up on concerns of the North as well as
give an update on handball happenings in the U.S.

He stated the North was concerned that PATHF did not adequately enforce the
“NO PAY, NO PLAY, policy established at the last Congress. He cited Venezuela’s participation in the “Second Change” competition as an example. The committee agreed to do a better job of supporting the policy.

He also stated that it was time for each country to make a better attempt to get
handball on television especially supporting PATHF events such as Pan American Championships. Handball is ready for television in the American Continents.

Page 8
PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

He updated the committee on the process of the USOC naming an official NGB in November.

He updated the committee on his efforts to begin a professional handball league in the U.S. Discussions have taken place to have teams in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City and San Juan. He also told them of his recent discussion with the Bondesliga which was a short discussion to determine interest and told the committee that he will be going to Hungary in August to meet with some business persons who might be interested in an investment in handball in the U.S.
He assured the committee nothing was definite but discussions were on going.

Next Congress – Rafael Sepulveda

Puerto Rico withdrew as hosts of the next Congress. Mexico stepped up for
October 2008 in either Cancun or Guadalajara.

End of Meeting

Next Congress

Chinese NBA Draftee has Handball Lineage

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Yi Jianlian, the 6th pick in the NBA draft has been making news for his reluctance to play for the team that drafted him, the Milwaukee Bucks. Buried in this article http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/births/2007/jul/13/566644764.html in the Las Vegas Sun, however, it’s mentioned that both of his parents played Handball full time in China. Unfortunately, according to the article they were forcibly required to play by the state.

Commentary: One would think that playing Handball for a living in China might not be a bad compared to some other jobs there. Of course, the article doesn’t mention the specifics of what happened. Perhaps they were forced to leave their families at a relatively young age.

Canada.com Article Highlights National Team Player Sacrifices

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This article http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=45b813da-b5a2-4710-a10c-fab6a3cd92fb from Canada.com focuses on two Canadian players from Alberta, Dan Devlin and Kate Fenton and highlights the challenges of playing Handball in a country where the sport is not well known. Also of note, is the $4,250 (Canadian) that Kate Fenton has had to get through fundraising to participate in both the Pan-American Championships and the Pan-American Games.

Pan-American Games (Brazil Men and Women Take Gold)

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[b]Women: [/b] The Brazilian Women easily defeated Cuba 30-17 to take the Gold Medal and the automatic qualification slot for Beijing. An earlier group play match in which Cuba had challenged Brazil, eventually losing 32-28, had given Cuba some hope of springing an upset. This time around, however, Brazil cranked up the defense and shut down Brazil’s backcourt scoring. Notably Arassay Duran who had nine goals in the first match was held to just 2 goals on 11 shots. In the bronze medal match, Argentina edged the Dominican Republic 23-22. In consolation play, an evenly matched Canada and Mexico needed two overtimes and sudden death penalty shots to decide the winner. At the end of regulation play the score was tied 28-28. After each side going 4 for 5 in the first set of penalty to make it 32-32 each side made or missed in sudden death until Mexico edged Canada 37-36. In the 7th place match Paraguay edged Puerto Rico 22-21.

[b]Olympic Ramifications:[/b] https://teamhandballnews.com/page18.html
Brazil: Pan-American Representative
Cuba: Pan-American Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament
Argentina: Potential Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament (Will likely depend on Brazil placing higher than South Korea at the World Championships in France)

[b]Men: [/b]The Brazilian Men also wrapped up a gold medal with a 30-22 victory over Argentina. Despite the lopsided final score, Argentina did make a game of it. A low scoring game in the first half had Brazil leading 11-6. In the 2nd half, Argentina narrowed the lead to 21-19 only to see Brazil put together a 9-3 run over the last 12 minutes. Brazil was led in scoring by their Hamburg Germany Bundesliga star Bruno Souza with 9 goals, while Bruno Civelli led Argentina with 6. In the Bronze medal game, Cuba edged Uruguay 24-23. In the 5th place game the Dominican Republic edged Chile 87-27. Finally, in the 7th place game Team Canada got a hard fought 34-32 win against Mexico. In what must have been curious deja vu match for anyone who had seen the Canadian and Mexican women play the previous day, this matched ended in Double Overtime. No penalty shootout this time around, but still 80 minutes of handball.

[b]Olympic Ramifications: [/b] https://teamhandballnews.com/page17.html
Brazil: Pan-American Representative
Argentina: Pan American Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament (Currently scheduled to be hosted by Poland with Spain and one other European team; Actual teams will depend on the European Championships Results)

[b]Side note: [/b]This Associated Press story http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/22/sports/LA-SPT-Pan-Ams-Brazil-Cuba-Rivalry.php in the International Herald Tribune notes that in both the Men’s and Women’s semifinal matches between Cuba and Argentina, Brazilian fans cheered on Argentina. Brazil and Argentina are usually bitter rivals, but an earlier Cuban defeat of the Brazilian volleyball team, in which the Cubans provoked the crowd after the match has made even rooting for Argentina possible– when they’re playing Cuba.

Pan American Games (Men’s Semifinal Results)

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Brazil easily took care of Uruguay 28-16 in the first semifinal, but it took overtime for Argentina to knock out Cuba 30-29 and what well may be the match of the tournament. Cuba started out fast and led by as many as five goals in the first half, but Argentina was able to cut the lead to 14-12 at half-time. In the 2nd half Cuba again pulled ahead by four goals only to see Argentina come back and pull even at 21-21 with 10 minutes to go. For the rest of regulation time the score alternated between Cuba being up by one or a tie score. With 42 seconds remaining Cuba pulled ahead 25-24. In the remaining time, Cuba received a red card and later a foul resulting in a penalty shot goal for Argentina with 3 seconds remaining. In the ensuing overtime, Argentina took their first lead of the game and held on to win 30-29. Cuba certainly had their chances though and will certainly regret missing two penalty shots in the extra period. Argentina was led in scoring by backcourt player Bruno Civelli, who plays for Italian side Conversano, with 10 goals while Cuba was paced by Jorge Pavan with 13 goals. Argentina will play Brazil on Sunday for the automatic ticket to Beijing.

Pan-American Games Update (Women’s Semifinal Results)

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Brazil and Cuba advanced with no problems in yesterday’s semifinals. Brazil demolished the Dominican Republic 46-13 and Cuba beat Argentina 37-25. Cuba was led by Wing Ayling Martinez who was a perfect 13 for 13 from the field. Cuba and Brazil will meet on Saturday for the Gold Medal and automatic qualification for the 2008 Olympics. The runner-up will still have a chance to go to the Olympics and will participate in a qualifying tournament next year at a TBD location. In consolation round play Canada got the first win of the tournament with a 26-22 victory over Paraguay. They will get a chance on Saturday in the 5th place game to avenge their earlier defeat to Mexico.

Men’s Semifinals. As expected the Men’s semifinal matches today will pit Brazil vs Uruguay and Argentina vs Cuba.

Men’s Final Group Standings:
www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_M_results_summary.html

Side Note: The Argentine Women would be hard pressed to blame their loss to Cuba on the officiating. The match officials were the top French pair (Bord/Buy). They are one of the top pairs in the world and have officiated many top competitions including the Men’s final at World Championships in Germany.