The Big Apple Event - New York City Team HandBall

Jackson Richardson

No doubt, Jackson Richardson is one of the best handball players to have ever played. In 1995 after winning the World Championship, IHF crowned him the best player in the world. In his homecountry France the Defensive Specialist was announced as the Player of the Century.

The list of his titles is very long, but the most important ones are 2 times World Champion, Champions League winner, two times French and Spanish champion, and a French cup winner.

"I am looking forward to this event, and I am very excited knowing who will be there with me on the field. One thing is for sure we will have a fantastic time and we will be the best handball team USA has ever seen", said the legendary Jackson Richardson.

Hans Einar Magnus Wislander

Hans Einar Magnus Wislander (born February 22, 1964 in Gothenburg, Västra Götaland) is a Swedish handball player, who has been voted Handball Player of the Century. Since his debut in the national team in 1985 he has played over 380 games and scored over 1,000 goals. He has won World, European, and Olympic golds.

Mirza Dzomba

Mirza Dzomba (born 28 February 1977 in Rijeka) is a Croatian handball player. He played for the Spanish club BM Ciudad Real and was a part of the Croatian national team, which won the gold medal in the World Handball Championship and 2004 Summer Olympics. He is considered as one of the best and most talented handball players in the world.

New York City THC Brings The World Together

Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. At 11:59 p.m., the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams.

"The second international team handball tournament "The Big Apple 2011" was bigger, and better then last year. We are on the right track of building a platform for the future of team handball in New York City ," said New York City Team Handball Club President Shkumbin Mustafa.

Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31st, the eyes of the world turn once more to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square. Anticipation and expectations run high. New Year's Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition. The entire world holds its breath...and cheers as the clocks strike twelve.

The Big Apple tournament has done the same with thousand of participants making the event an annual tradition, where athletes from all over the world join together to compete, promote, and celebrate the most exciting Olympic sport in the greatest city in the world.

This year the All-Star game was broadcasted Live in 59 countries all over the world. People tuned in to watch some of the most extraordinary athletes play at Riverbank State Park, and just as the famous New Year's Eve Ball descended from the flagpole atop One Times Square, an estimated one million people in Times Square, millions nationwide and over a billion watching throughout the world are united in bidding a collective farewell to the departing year, and expressing joy and hope for the year ahead.

"The amount of people that showed up, the friendships that we formed, made us realize that many people have the same hopes and dreams for 2011 as we do. One of those wishes is to make team handball a part of New York", said Philippe Bouclainville from New York City Team Handball Club.

Even more than most years, New York was in the spotlight as it battled back from a severe snowstorm, but as it always does New York City bounces back quickly, and once more had the perhaps the most famous New Year's Eve celebration in the world.

Attending the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, and being a part of the team handball tournament "Big Apple" is a memorable way to spend New Year in New York City.

Six teams battled in this years "Big Apple 2011" tournament. Four german teams selected by tryouts of professional teams, and two teams from New York City Team Handball Club.

Goldgas, coached by one of the greatest goalies of all time Henning Fritz, reached the finals where New York City THC 1 had qualifed earlier.

Kabel BW beat Mopo Hamburg (20:12) for third place, while Teamsport took fifth place after winning 19:13 against New York City THC 2.

In the Championship game, Goldgas proved to strong for the host NYCTH 1, and were able to cruise easy to their first Big Apple Gold medal. MVP of Big Apple 2011 was Schiewe from Goldgas, and MVG went to Mopo Hamburg goalie Meier.

"Even though we were not considered favorites in this event my players showed great dicipline and with teamwork were able to go undefeated during the event", said Goldgas coach Henning Fritz.

New York City Team Handball Club would like to thank the Riverbank State Park and the entire staff for helping us organize a great event. Our partners Mercury Bar, Snapsports, Hummel, Biztech, Select Sport, Brewster Financial, Handball Challenge, Oddo Securities for supporting us during the year. A big thanks to Karl Gladeck, and Christopher Monz from Teamsport who arranged for the All-stars to come to Big Apple. Also thank you to Goldgas, GHD, Acura Financial, Kabel BW, Engelhorn Sports, and Therapaedicum for supporting the growth of Big Apple 2011.

And of course we thank all our members, and fans who we value greatly and strive to exceed their expectations and to whom we owe our very existence as a club.

Thank you for a memorable weekend, and see you all next year.