Spotlight on Olympic Handball Ireland!
Established in 1975, Olympic Handball Ireland (OHI) stands as the sole governing body for the sport of Olympic handball in Ireland, acknowledged by esteemed bodies such as the Irish Sports Council, Olympic Council of Ireland, the European Handball Federation, and the International Handball Federation. Also known as Handball, Team Handball, or European Handball, this exhilarating sport involves two teams of seven players each, passing a ball by hand with the objective of scoring by throwing it into the opposing team’s goal. Celebrated for its fast pace, high scoring, and emphasis on teamwork, handball is a thrilling and accessible sport for all ages and abilities.
OHI has achieved significant milestones over the past year. With support from Sport NI and Lisburn & Castlereagh Council, OHI successfully hosted the prestigious Celtic Cup in Northern Ireland for the first time since the pandemic. The primary school programme witnessed remarkable expansion, reaching 20 counties across Ireland and Northern Ireland, engaging numerous young athletes in the 23/24 academic year. Moreover, OHI’s initiatives in Northern Ireland saw over 3000 participants from 50+ schools and organisations joining their handball programs, fostering substantial growth and community engagement.
Supporting Community Development and Sports Promotion
OHI is committed to supporting the development and promotion of sports within the community by making Olympic Handball accessible to all. This inclusive sport is easy to teach, learn, and play, providing a fun and engaging way for individuals to lead healthy lifestyles. OHI believes in the power of handball to drive social change, uniting diverse nationalities and fostering community spirit across Ireland and Northern Ireland. By expanding programs in schools and local clubs, OHI aims to create new partnerships and opportunities for participation, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the benefits of this dynamic sport.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
OHI has an exciting line up of events and initiatives planned for the coming months. The Primary School All-Ireland Finals, held in April, showcased impressive performances from Ulster champions and finalists. The recently launched Secondary School Handball Programme saw St Brendan’s College Kerry emerge victorious and secure a spot to represent Ireland at the Partille World Cup, the world’s largest youth handball tournament. The highly successful OHI Cup took place in March, and anticipation is building for the Annual Beach Handball Tournament, scheduled for July. These events reflect OHI’s commitment to fostering a vibrant handball community and providing diverse opportunities for players to engage and excel.
Considerations for joining the NISF?
OHI made the decision to join the NISF due to the need for additional guidance on governance, sport, and physical activity within Northern Ireland.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE:
- Instagram: @olympichandbalireland
- Facebook: @olympichandbalireland
- LinkedIn: @olympichandbalireland
- Website: olympichandball.ie
