Following a handball outreach programme, the first handball tournament in Kiribati history was held in the beginning of October in the country’s capital South Tarawa.

 

Over two weeks, men’s teams from different wards of the Teinainano Urban Council faced each other to compete for a place in the final of the inaugural Men’s U20 Championship. The teams from Teaoraereke West and Bikenibeu East West reached the ‘Grand final’ and played each other in perfect evening conditions in Bairiki, an islet near the western end of South Tarawa. For most of the spectators it was the first time they saw a handball match.

 

In the first half of the game, Bikenibeu East West could gain the lead, with tournament MVP Iannang Katatia impressing the spectators with some amazing shots. Teaoraereke West, however, came back and could level the score in the second half. In the end, Bikenibeu East West emerged victorious, defeating their opponents narrowly 19:18. Top scorer of the game was Thomas Bwatiri, player of runners-up Teaoraereke West, with six goals.

 

Continuous outreach activities, with particular attention to the youth, are part of the plan of the Kiribati Handball Federation to spread our sport in the country.