Europe v Asia and Africa in London 2012 Test Event

The London 2012 Olympics are less than one year away and it is now time for Handball to take centre stage in the test event series.

Under the ‘London Prepares Series’ title, the GB Women’s handball team will host the ‘London Handball Cup’ where the home side will face a strong international test from Austria, Angola, China, Poland and Slovakia.

The London Handball Cup takes place from 23-27 November 2011 at the Handball Arena in the Olympic Park and will give the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) the chance to test many parts of its operations including the field of play; results, timing and scoring systems and how teams work together.

The competition will see six teams divided into two groups, with teams placed 1st and 2nd in each group progressing to cross-over semi-finals, culminating in a gold/silver medal and bronze matches on the final day of competition.

Group A includes Slovakia, Poland and China whilst Group B includes Great Britain, Austria and Angola.

Just a few days after the London Handball Cup, China and Angola will fly to South America to compete at the 2011 World Championships in Brazil, highlighting the tough test that GB will face as they prepare to represent the host nation at London 2012 next July and August.

Match Schedule

Wednesday 23 November 2011
10:30     Slovakia v China
13:00     Great Britain v Angola

Thursday 24 November 2011
10:30     China v Poland
13:00     Angola v Austria

Friday 25 November 2011
10:30     Austria v Great Britain
13:00     Poland v Slovakia

Saturday 26 November 2011
Semi-Finals and 5/6 Play-Off

Sunday 27 November 2011
Final and Bronze medal match

Tickets for the London Handball Cup will not be on general sale, but local residents, schools, colleges and members of handball clubs will be given the opportunity to attend the test event.

Debbie Jevans, Director of Sport at LOCOG said:

“The London Handball Cup will allow us to test our perations prior to the Games, but we are also delighted to be hosting such high quality teams in the brand new Handball Arena.

"The test event will be competitive and exciting and a great chance for local residents and school children to witness top level Handball, many of them for the first time.”

Paul Goodwin, Chief Executive of the British Handball Association said:

“It is exciting to be part of the first competitive tournament played in the Olympic Handball Arena and we are looking forward to competing against some of the world’s best teams in November.”

The Handball Arena was the third Olympic Park venue to be completed in May 2011 and will have up to a 6,500 capacity during London 2012.

After the Games, capacity will be increased to accommodate up to 7,500 spectators as it becomes a multi-use venue for community use, athletic training and events.

More information on the London Handball Cup

• Six teams divided into two groups of three for preliminary rounds
• Round-robin tournament within each group
• Teams are ranked according to IHF rules
• Teams placed 1st and 2nd in each group progress to cross-over semi-finals
• Teams placed 3rd in each group play off for 5th and 6th place
• Losers of the semi-finals play off for the Bronze Medal
• Winners of the semi-finals play off for Gold and Silver Medals

Further information

For more information about the London 2012 Handball Arena, please visit www.london2012.com/handball-arena

For more information about the London 2012 Olympics, please visit www.london2012.com