Dudelingen’s wheelchair handball players need support | Luxembourg word

The beginning has been made: The project “Wheelchair Handball” initiated by the HB Dudelingen was implemented for the first time in the Düdelingen sports complex René Hartmann as part of the “Handball Ass Fir Jiddereen” initiative. It is the result of a recently started collaboration between the HBD and the Association Back to Sport.

In addition to the HBD, four teams from France and one from Belgium took part in the tournament. Dudelingen’s club boss Christian Schott drew a positive conclusion. « It was a very successful event. In any case, the players were very satisfied. » The HBD won a game. « I am very optimistic that we can continue with this project, » explains Schott.

In the audience, however, more than 60 to 70 spectators were hoped for. It was not optimal that the chosen time was collapsed with the start of the holiday. With FLH President Romain Schockmel, Family Minister Max Hahn and Dudelingen’s Mayor Dan Biancalana, however, there were some well-known names at the premiere.

What does sport actually differentiate between the classic variant? Wheelchair handball is an adapted version of the sport that enables people with impairment or restricted mobility to exercise handball in an inclusive frame. « Sport is accessible to players with impairment and everyone else. The focus is on teamwork, strategy and equality on the field, » explains the HBD president.

Financial support

The rules are based on traditional handball. However, there are some adjustments. Each team consists of six players, including a goalkeeper. The games are played in two halves (20 minutes each). The players move only with their wheelchair, whereby they have to dribble or play the ball after two drive movements.

The aim of the game is to accommodate the ball in the opposing goal, whereby the keeper may use both his wheelchair and his body for defense. “It was good and useful to the wheelchair handball as part of the Youth Cup To present so that everyone involved gets a feeling for what it looks like in practice, ”Schott looks back.

In the future, the HBD plans to provide its own team that will take part in the French championship. « We want to establish ourselves in the long term in this league in the long term, » said the Düdelinger club boss. The association will strive for the necessary administrative steps at the Luxembourg Handball Association and the Ligue Grand Est to be able to take part in the Coupe de France in the 2025/26 season.

First of all, a special training for referees for the regular customer in wheelchair handball must be organized. Financing could also become a challenge. « We have to get twelve wheelchairs worth around 3,000 to 4,000 euros each. But we have hope that we will get support, » said Schott. In the end, the project, according to the HBD president, stands for a concrete implementation of integration policy for people with impairment.