From August 30th to September 1st, 2024, Biber Academy is hosting the first International Handball Tournament for the Beaver Cup. Twelve clubs from eight nations will participate in various age groups. Teams like RK Celje from Slovenia, H71 Torshavn from the Faroe Islands, SKF Wisla Plock from Poland, SG Pilatus-Handball from Switzerland, Lugi HF from Sweden, Selestat AHB from France, Fivers WAT Margareten from Austria, and teams from Germany including HC Empor Rostock, SG Pforzheim-Eutingen, Mittelhessen Youngsters (Hüttenberg/Wetzlar), Bergische HC, and JSpG Kühnau/DRHV06 will be competing.
The preparations for the tournament have been ongoing for some time. Hotel accommodations are secured, and the Anhalt Arena and Elbe-Rossel Hall are ready for action. Academy Director Vanja Radić shared, „The idea to host such a tournament has been in the works since the founding of the club two years ago. Our sports director, Matthias Bäurer, took on this project and established contacts with the clubs.“
The tournament will feature two groups of five teams each playing in a round-robin format. On the final day, the last-placed teams will compete for the ninth spot, while the fourth and third-placed teams will battle for fifth to eighth places. The top two teams from each group will face off in the semifinals, with the losers competing for third place. The winners of the semifinals will then play for the Beaver Cup in the Anhalt Arena.
This tournament is not only a sporting event that adds to the variety of sports events in the Anhalt region but also a great opportunity for the youth handball community. It allows them to compete with some of the most successful youth projects in Europe. Matthias Bäurer from Biber Academy expressed his excitement, stating, „The chance to compete with the best clubs in Europe is rare, especially in handball. We aim to inspire our youth, develop our own talent, and promote youth sports in the region through this tournament.“
Like any event of this size, the tournament relies on partners, supporters, and volunteers. Merz Dessau, a major partner, is enthusiastic about the idea of an international youth handball tournament. Other partners include dm-drogerie markt, Volkssolidarität 92 e.V., Wohnungsgenossenschaft Dessau, Jeske Media, Asics, ABISZET, Stadtmarketinggesellschaft Dessau-Roßlau mbH, and Netzwerk „engagierte Stadt Dessau-Roßlau.“
The games will be held in two sports halls, the Anhalt Arena in Dessau and the Elbe-Rossel Hall in Roßlau, to showcase the diversity and beauty of the city.
Special features and services include free entry for children and teenagers up to 18 years old to support young handball talents and inspire them. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream via Solidsport platform will be available to watch the tournament live.
All handball fans, families, and friends from the city and the region are invited to experience this unique event.