Playing legends honoured at EHF 20th Anniversary

This evening saw special awards presented in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the European Handball Federation.

As part of the ‘HeartBeat HandBall’ celebrations in Vienna, the EHF handed out awards in the three different categories of ‘Players’, ‘Officials’ and ‘Partners’.

The award for the players, entitled ‘The EHF Handball Award’ was awarded in acknowledgement of those players who have won the highest honours in the game such as the titles of European Champion, World Champion and Olympic Champion, not to mention those who have the VELUX EHF Champions League, EHF Women’s Champions League and other European and club titles.

Those awarded were:

Daniel Narcisse – France and THW Kiel
Didier Dinart – France and Atletico Madrid
Luc Abalo – France and Atletico Madrid
Thierry Omeyer - France and THW Kiel
Rikke Skov – Denmark and Viborg HK

www.eurohandball.com spoke to the players as they came off of the stage.

France and Atletico Madrid star Didier Dinart said:
“It was a big surprise to recieve the award as none of us were really expecting it. As I play in defence I don’t get awards normally! It is respectful from the EHF towards the players to recognise the work that we do with this award.”

Denmark and, Viborg HK star Rikke Skov, said:
“It feels really good to win this award tonight. This award is for everything I have achieved in handball including victories, finals and games. I am so proud.  This award is a symbol for all of that. Like any sporting career I have had my ups and downs and this is a big thanks fpr all the work I have put in as a player.”

France and THW Kiel star Thierry Omeyer said:
“We really enjoyed receiving this and it is a great honour for us to be awarded with this prize. We were awarded as we have reached an extraordinary success to have won the Olympics, World and European Championship and the VELUX EHF Champions League. 

“Every title and every award I win for the first time is great, and another motivation for even more titles. I do not know where I will put this award because currently I am putting my awards in a room. When my career is over I will install a room in my house with all my trophies because if I see these trophies every day whilst I am still playing, my hunger for titles and awards might be less.”

France and Atletico Madrid star Luc Abalo said:
“On behalf of Danielle, Didier and Thierry we are happy to represent the French players at this prestigious event that marks the history of European handball. We all feel extremely honoured to represent our colleagues here tonight.”

France and THW Kiel star Daniel Narcisse said:
“To receive this trophy means that my colleagues and I have reached something special in handball. This award means a special success and honour for us. Unfortunately our whole French team is not here, as without all the others we never would haven been able to win all those titles and this award.

“It is my special hope that in 20 years the next French generation will be awarded at the 40th EHF Anniversary! When I return home, my wife will take care of this trophy - she will find a nice place for it!”