Brazil eager to perform for ‘torcida’

In the final days leading up to the 2014 IKF Pan American Korfball Championship the host team has prepared in Americana, Sao Paulo, under Portuguese coach Jorge Alves, with an intensive programme of daily training sessions and a full schedule of promotional activities.

Twenty players, led by Rio de Janeiro State Federation (FECRJ) president Daniel Rivillini and members of Sao Paolo State Federation (FCESP) Luciana Bortoleto and Thiago Barbacena, have undertaken numerous promotions, aiming to encourage school students to support the Brazilian team participating in the event, as well as a large network of physical education teachers in the area. Activities have been held in the Escola Sesi Santa Barbara, Escola Objetivo, ETEC Americana, Esesc Sao Paulo, Metrocamp Campinas, Ses Americana and UNE Sao Paulo

This is a great opportunity for the Brazilian team to perform in front of local supporters, and consolidate progress since their two-week training camp in Portugal in February 2013.

In front of its own ‘torcida’ and determined to put on a great show, the squad is focused on becoming the first continental champion, thereby qualifying for 2015 IKF World Korfball Championship.

Withdrawal of Argentina

Unfortunately, the Argentinean Korfball Association has advised the IKF that, due to the difficult economic situation in its own country, the Argentinean team was not able to raise the funding necessary to participate in the 2014 IKF Pan American Korfball Championship.

The competition committee has decided to maintain the schedule of four teams, including a second team from Brazil to replacing Argentina. Games played by this team will, however, be out of the competition.