For three days, the Incredible Tour du Handball stops in Lille to promote the practice of the most successful team sport in France. From June 2023 to July 2024, the French Handball Federation is deploying this traveling tour in the heart of cities throughout France. From May 2 to 4, Place de la République in Lille welcomes this village for a whole series of activities. An initiative that comes at the right time in Hauts-de-France. The final phases of the Olympic handball tournaments will take place at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium this summer, from August 5 to 11.
For 3 days, Lille is transformed into a true temple of handball through this event open to all and completely free. More than 3,000 people will certainly storm the lively spaces, vectors of inclusion and awareness. In particular, it will allow people to discover handballs at all ages and to try HandFauteuil, a practice of adapted handball mixing people with disabilities and able-bodied people on the field. And as of this Thursday morning, young people from the recreational centers were already numerous on the two 4×4 initiation sites and in the workshops installed between the Prefecture and the Palais des Beaux-Arts.
At noon, the mayor of Lille Martine Aubryand the president of the regional handball league, Jean-Pierre Lepointe, also cut the ribbon to inaugurate the tour. This is the starting point, we hope, of public enthusiasm for its two French teams. We will see him in August at the Arena Décathlon in Villeneuve d’Ascq.
The Olympics operation begins in 2018
Jean-Pierre Lepointe recalls the importance of Hauts-de-France in the French handball landscape. “ We are coming back to host, for the second time in a year, the Place de la République with this Incredible Tour centered around the game, sharing, fun, with young, old and para-sports enthusiasts. This has always been the DNA of our federation. It is she who brought us to our successes, which we wish to continue here at the Stade Pierre Mauroy for the final stages from August 5 to 11. It was a common wish of the President of the MEL and the President of the League that we wrote to the COJO in 2018. The Olympics are the game, therefore it is the joy, and the Incredible Tour is the foundation of this spirit. »
The regional president, who launched the Barjots adventure in 1992 alongside Daniel Constantini, goes even further. This former teacher thus affirms that the “ sport has become the first school in France. Because school, unfortunately, we let him down. »
Both men and women brilliantly won the Olympic title at the Tokyo Olympics. They will therefore defend their title in Paris. The two French selections will therefore be favorites as confirmed by their latest results this winter. The women’s team was crowned world champion for the third time in its history. The men’s team has just won the gold medal at EHF Euro 2024. The Tricolores will also need the support of supporters to make French handball history at the Games.
The Olympic Games effect
Martine Aubry She took part in the game by participating in the shooting workshop. And she recalled that she had practiced handball during her school days. Other personalities attended this launch. In particular the president of the USDK, the number 1 club in the region, who expects positive results from the Olympic Games. “ For the exposure of handball in the region, there is no better“, explains thus Jean-Pierre Vandaele. “ After each title, we see an increase in the number of licensees. But it’s true that in the media, we have a little light at the time of the competition when we win. But it goes out very quickly. French handball does not have the place it deserves in the media. In any case, having the Olympic Games in your country is great. And this will transcend our players. »
This Incredible Tour will therefore serve as an appetizer before the Olympic Tournaments in Lille at the beginning of August. Young people in particular will be able to discover this major team sport of handball in a fun way at the end of the school holidays.
The Incredible Tour in Lille
Entertainment areas (Place de La République in Lille):
4-a-side handball courts, digital wall, radar shooting, handbungy and even e-sport.
4 handball practices:
Hand to 4, HandFit, HandFauteuil and BabyHand.
Schedules
- Thursday 02/05: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (general public)
- Friday 03/05: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (general public)
- Saturday 04/05: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (general public)
