The International Korfball Federation is deeply grieved to announce the passing of its Honorary Member Adri “Swan” Zwaanswijk in Amsterdam (Netherlands) yesterday morning at the age of 88.
Swan, as Zwaanswijk has been known to most that have had the pleasure to work and be inspired by him, was a korfball innovator over more than half a century. When he retired as national coach of the Netherlands korfball team, he was offered a trip around the world. He used this trip to promote and develop korfball outside Europe. At that time, korfball outside Europe was only present in Dutch and former Dutch colonies. Among other countries, he was the key figure of korfball introduction and development in India and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) who are current korfball power houses in Asia. Famous was also his development work in the jungle parts Papua New Guinea where he built upon the earlier work of Roy Kirkby and he supposedly was offered an entire island by one of the local tribal chiefs.
Adri “Swan” Zwaanswijk in 2013 (photo credit: Swan Fund)
At elite level, Zwaanswijk played 11 times for the Netherlands national korfball team in a period that there was effectively no preparation for matches, and players met each other on the train to Antwerp for their annual international match series. Later, in 1962, he became the first national korfball coach in the Netherlands and introduced the concept of training and preparation. After his retirement as national coach in the Netherlands in 1978, he worked tirelessly for the development of our sport, in particular in (but not limited to) Asia. He also developed coaching courses at the international level for the first time and the famous coaching camps at Papendal in the Netherlands were also his idea. Many of the current and past leading coaches and administrators have been trained by him at one of these Papendal coaching courses.
Next to that, he was also a strong advocate for major changes in the game itself. He pushed the notion that children needed to play on a lower post and with a smaller ball. He was a main driving force behind the elimination of the middle zone (korfball was played in three rather than two zones outdoor until the late 1980s in most countries and until the early 1990s in the Netherlands). Further, he developed a first concept of a synthetic korf to replace the then-common rattan korf. His desire for global development is reflected in the Swan Fund, a charity supporting korfball development in underprivileged countries.
The global korfball community will remember Adri Zwaanswijk for the lasting impact that he has had on our sport in many aspects, along with his consistent optimism, involvement, and passion. We wish his next of kin all the best in dealing with this loss.
The funeral service will be held in private. The family has informed us that a remembrance ceremony will be held at a later date.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adri_zwaanswijk_ikf.png321845Jan Fransoohttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngJan Fransoo2018-01-25 16:22:382018-01-26 10:10:29Adri “Swan” Zwaanswijk dies after dedicating his entire life to the development of korfball
Everything’s ready in Multiusos de Odivelas (Portugal) to start next Friday the IKF Europa Shield 2018. From 26th to 28th January 2018, eight European teams will fight to be the new 2018 Europa Shield champion!
IKF EUROPA SHIELD 2018: DAY 1 SCHEDULE
You can follow and watch the live webcasting of all games on www.worldkorfball.org, with all the statistics, scorers, play-by-play and much more.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eshield2018_ready.png321845Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2018-01-25 13:10:502018-01-29 14:43:36Follow the IKF Europa Shield 2018: live webcasting
The Executive Committee of the International Korfball Federation, in its meeting of 20 January 2018, accepted Thailand Korfball Association (TKA) to become an Associate Member of the International Korfball Federation.
The IKF President stated that the IKF is very happy to welcome Thailand in our global korfball family and wished TKA all the best with the development of korfball in Thailand.
Korfball has been played in Thailand for almost two years now, following initial introduction by Mr Morito Nubutoki from Japan who founded the first club in Bangkok. Subsequent support by IKF Asia and the Chinese Taipei Korfball Association has helped the further development. President Kwanboonchan of the TKA is an experienced sports administrator and conducted the formal recognition and registration process of the TKA by the Sports Authority of Thailand, following which the membership application to the IKF was filed.
Thailand joined is currently the 69th member of the International Korfball Federation. The IKF specifically faces rapid growth in Asia. Thailand has also entered a team to compete in the IKF Asia-Oceania Korfball Championship that will be held in August in Tokyo/Saitama, Japan.
The IKF Europa Cup 2018 has a champion: the Dutch TOP/Solar Compleet, after beating the Belgian AKC/Luma in today’s final in Platja d’Aro (Costa Brava – Girona, Catalonia).
A great tournament finished with the German SG Pegasus winning the Bronze medal for the first time. Congratulations!
IKF ECUP 2018 Final Ranking:
1️⃣🏅Korfbalvereniging TOP/SolarCompleet (NED) 🏆
2️⃣🥈 AKC/Luma Korfbalclub (BEL)
3️⃣🥉 SG Pegasus (GER)
4️⃣ Núcleo Corfebol Benfica (POR)
5️⃣ Trojans Korfball Club (ENG)
6️⃣ KCC Sokol České Budějovice (CZE)
7️⃣ Club Korfbal Vallparadís (CAT)
8️⃣ 1908 SZAC Budapest Korfball (HUN)
A big thank you and a great acknowledgement to Platja d’Aro Korfbal Club and local and regional authorities as organizers of such a wonderful and magnific event. Also thanks to all volunteers, to the Catalan Korfbal Federation, to IKF officers, jurys, referees, teams, players and fans that did their best to make this ECUP 2018 an incredible nice and successful event.
IKF Europa Cup 2018 Final: TOP/Solar Compleet (NED) 28 – AKC/Luma (BEL) 21
On Saturday 13 January 2018, the third and final day of the 52nd IKF Europa Cup (IKF ECup) will take place. All four matches are available via LIVE STREAM on www.worldkorfball.org
The url’s to the ikfchannel on YouTube are:
1908 SZAC Budapest – CK Vallparadis; match will start 1300 PM
Trojans – Ceske Budejovice; match will start 1445 PM
NC Benfica – Pegasus; match will start 1630 PM
IKF Europa Cup final:
TOP/Solar Compleet – AKC/Luma; match will start 1830 PM
Around 10 minutes after the final whistle the medal ceremony will take place.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SPLT92571.jpg10651600Frans Walvishttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngFrans Walvis2018-01-13 13:08:422018-01-18 15:50:21IKF Europa Cup FINALS: Live stream links
Finalists are known after today’s games at the IKF Europa Cup 2018 Day 2 in Platja d’Aro.
DAY 2 RESULTS (Friday, 12th January 2018):
DAY 3 FINAL GAMES (Saturday, 13th January 2018):
CK Vallparadis – 1908 SZAC Budapest 17 – 16
The Catalans were always in the lead. But at the very end of the match the Hungarians missed a penalty in which case with enough time remaining it would have been possible to make a come back. On the other hand Vallparadis, disadvantaged by the early starting hour, did not benefit from a crowd of supporters. The fifth place is now the highest possible.
Top/Solar Compleet – KCC Budejovice 30 – 11
Accurate shooting and courageous Czechs! That is what can be told of this second game of day 2. Top is ready for the final and Budejovice will try to show a better performance later on.
Trojans – SG Pegasus 14 – 19
The traditional clash between the champions of England and Germany was an exciting game until there was a gap in the second half which the Trojans were incapable to reduce. Some decisions were not always in favour of Trojans whereas the Germans slowly but surely secured the difference in score with long attacks.
AKC Luma – NC Benfica 17 – 8
It has become common for AKC Luma that the players need to warm up during the first half of the game to become effective in the second. During the first 10 minutes Benfica even was the better team. With 2 minutes in the first half AKC took the lead for the first time. (10 – 8)
Then it turned out that Benfica had given their best performance and forgot to score giving AKC the chance to easily clinch the frame.
Trojans KC – 1908 SZAC Budapest 17 – 13
The Hungarian team had chances against Trojans. Just at the end the more experienced English players were able to create a narrow gap which will keep the next champion in the top six. On the other hand the Hungarian champion will be obliged to go through a first round. But then with what we saw during this tournament, it will be hard for other competitors to keep them from the first two places that gives entry to the final round in Belgium 2019.
KCC Budejovice – CK Vallparadis 13 – 12
Vallparadis goes to first rounds!
With 8-8 as the score at half time, no one could predict the outcome of this game. But then both teams forgot to score. Much struggle, many inside moves without efficiency, not a match to remember. At the end the most fortunate was Budejovice. The last Catalan attacks without strategy could not make the change.
Top/Solar Compleet – NC Benfica 27 – 13
It takes courage to play against a Dutch team. The mere fact that Benfica could score 13 goals must be appreciated. The whirlpool of the play of Top was much enjoyed by many spectators creating a good atmosphere. They proved that they are ready to face any opponent in the final game of the tournament.
SG Pegasus – AKC Luma 9 – 21
No slow start from AKC this time. Excellent focus from the beginning and power play throughout the first half keeping the Germans from coming into the game (5-11) A general repetition for the final!
The second half was a copy of the first. The Germans too much trying for opportunities inside with ball recuperation for the opponents as a consequence. Especially the female players of AKC played a part in the high score 5′ before the end (8-20).
For IKF ECUP 2018 on worldkorfball.org: CLICK HERE
For ikfchannel on YouTube: CLICK HERE
End of Day 1 at the IKF Europa Cup 2018 in Platja d’Aro. A great first day of competition, with some really close, surprising and exciting games. Take a look at today’s reports and results.
KCC SC Budejovice – SG Pegasus 15-16
For those that like close games, the first day of the tournament could not have a better start. The German champion was nearly always leading with the smallest difference. As it seemed to come to a golden goal, at the end the Czech team did not manage to close the gap. Both teams may look back on a excellent performance.
CK Vallparadis – AKC Luma 8 – 15
In the first half it seemed unpredictable to determine a winner (6-8) The Belgians had much trouble with the inside moves of the Catalan team with penalties as a consequence. After tea the Catalans missed many opportunities to keep in the loop and AKC seized the occasion to bring in reserve players.
Top/Solar Compleet – Trojans 20 – 10
Both teams started slowly giving Trojans the chance to have the lead in the beginning of the match. However once the tactical setup was respected, the Dutch created what would turn out to be a big difference at the end. It was not easy for the Trojans to keep the motivation against the giants of TOP. Both teams, focussing on other projects, tried to avoid injuries rather than to struggle for the possession of the ball.
NC Benfica – SZAC Budapest 15 – 13
Nobody could predict that the champion team of Portugal would have to struggle so hard to beat the best Hungarian team in years. Korfball is flourishing in both nations. Both organised many tournaments in the recent past and, especially in Hungary, exchange of experience was beneficial for the level of play. Only at the very end of the match, Benfica was able to assure a narrow win.
Top/Solar Compleet – SG Pegasus 30 – 20
AKC/Luma – SZAC Budapest 19 – 6
CK Vallparadis – NC Benfica 16 – 18
The battle of the Iberian peninsula is always a thrilling match, highly enjoyed by numerous spectators. Earlier that day Benfica had much trouble to beat SZAC. However in this game they started extremely motivated with much pressure in defence and quick moves in attack. Vallparadis tried everything to take the lead but every time when it seemed that they would be able to equalise, the Portugese champion answered accurately.
KCC Budejovice – Trojans KC 17 – 25
With only four teams in the Czech extra league, suffering from a lack of high levelled matches, Budejovice could never claim a victory against a very experienced team of Trojans. One could have expected a close game between teams that are considered to be equally strong. This was clearly not the case. Trojans remain with high hopes for the rest of the tournament.
Before these two last matches, the audience witnessed an exciting opening ceremony with some young musicians. There were speeches from the president of the organising club, from the mayor of Platja d’Aro and from the coordinating officer, representing the IKF. As always the ceremony was closed with the IKF hymn, a symbol of the united korfball family.
Today will be the start of a new adventure in the history of the IKF ECup. As from 09:00 teams will compete for the “Alfons Janssens” trophy. The whole korfball community is looking forward to witness exciting matches in the beautiful venue of Platja d’Aro. Yesterday the international referees all passed the physical test with glamour. The arbitration is ready for a high performance.
You can follow this IKF ECUP 2018 on worldkorfball.org: CLICK HERE
For ikfchannel on YouTube: CLICK HERE
From Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 January 2018 in Platja d’Aro (Costa Brava – Girona, Catalonia), the 52th IKF Europa Cup 2018 will take place, with 8 European national korfball champions competing to be the best team in Europe.
PARTICIPANTS (Country – Club):
BELGIUM – AKC/Luma Korfbalclub
CATALONIA – Club Korfbal Vallparadís
CZECH REPUBLIC – KCC Sokol České Budějovice
ENGLAND – Trojans Korfball Club
GERMANY – SG Pegasus
HUNGARY – 1908 SZAC Budapest Korfball
NETHERLANDS – Korfbalvereniging TOP/SolarCompleet
PORTUGAL – Núcleo Corfebol Benfica
As usual, all IKF Europa Cup 2018 matches will be available through live webcasting. You are invited to watch all the games on www.worldkorfball.org, with all the statistics, play-by-play, top scorers, graphics and much more. Or directly through the ikfchannel on YouTube.
For IKF ECUP 2018 on worldkorfball.org: CLICK HERE
For ikfchannel on YouTube: CLICK HERE
All images, reports, interviews, videos and curiosities will be available live 24/7 on IKF social media profiles (#ECUP2018):
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/banner_web_ECUP2018v2.png3871020Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2018-01-10 09:56:202018-01-15 11:12:23The IKF Europa Cup 2018 is ready to start in Platja d’Aro!
