Handball legend visits London

Handball legend visits London

Double European champion Lars Christiansen was in London on Friday, 17 October 2014 thanks to an initiative from title sponsor of the VELUX EHF Champions League, the VELUX Group.

The retired 42-year-old left Danish winger was in West London after Ealing Handball Club won a pan-European competition.

“We entered the competition and somewhat forgot about it. It was a real shock when VELUX rang to say that we had won,” said Ealing head coach Paul Bray, “our competition entry was based on the Olympic legacy for the sport and creating opportunities to grow handball at grassroots level."

Christiansen took the under-17 team through an intensive and fun training session. He concluded with a short demonstration of his trademark trick penalty shots, including 90° spin shots, which had the players completely mesmerised.

The VELUX Group provided gifts including an official VELUX EHF Champions League adidas match ball to each player and training equipment for the club.

“It was an absolutely fantastic session, so much fun,” said Ealing player Matt Lacour, “it was amazing to have a famous player like Lars coaching us and his trick shots were unbelievable.”

Bray added: “The players thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Lars is such a great ambassador for the sport, we really can’t thank him and the VELUX Group enough.

“Lars was just so generous with his time, staying long afterwards to talk to the players, sign autographs and have photos taken. It has given the players a wonderful memory for life.”

Ealing are the third club to take part in the VELUX Group's Teamday initiative and be offered the chance to train with the handball legend.

During the 2013/14 season Lars Christiansen was in Vienna for a training session with the Young Fivers from Vienna-based Fivers WAT Margareten and also the under 12’s team from TIK Haandball, based in Taastrupp, Denmark.