The top event for Beach Handball this year, the World Games 2013 was officially opened with an unforgettable Opening Ceremony on Friday evening at the fabulous Cañaveralejo Bullfighting Arena. All participants of the World Games Beach Handball tournament, 16 teams from five different continents, walked out in front of more than 3,000 spectators and built the sun, the symbol of Beach Handball, in the center of the court. After the entrance of the first 14 teams, the host country, Colombia entered the main court to the loud and enthusiastic applause of the spectators. The Chairman of the IHF Beach Handball Working Group, Mr. Giampiero Masi, officially opened the Beach Handball Tournament of the World Games 2013. During his speech Mr. Masi mentioned the importance of the World Games for the development of beach handball and thanked the Colombian Handball Federation and Local Organizing Committee for their support to bring this wonderful event to fruition. After the speeches an unforgettable dance show began. From the tango to modern dances to the salsa, more than 30 dancers put on a great performance. After their performance, all the players joined the dancers and danced the salsa. This great show finished with the famous salsa tune of Cali, “Cali Pachanguero”.

The Beach Handball matches at the World Games started on the 2nd of August, with preliminary round matches in 2 groups for both men and women. On the afternoon of 3rd of August, the semi-finals will be played. The winners of the World Games 2013 will be decided after the final matches on 4th of August.