IN DECEMBER, 2009, THE ADAPTED HANDBALL TEAM FROM CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF SANTIAGO HAS RECEIVED THE BRAZILIAN SELECTION OF WCH4 FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MEETING, WHERE, BESIDES GAMES, THERE WERE CAPACITATION COURSES.

The meeting took place in the Olimpic Trainning Center of chile, and the games were watched by authorities, such as the president of Chile Federation of Handball, the president of Chile Federation of Badminton, as well as directors of many modalities that train in the wonderful chilean sportive complex. It is also worth a note that the press office from Olimpic Comittee from Chile did a report about the brazilian presence in Santiago (published on the magazine "La voz olímpica").

Brazilian selection of WCH4 stayed in Chile for a week, and played nine WCH4 games, and three WCH7 games (the technical comission took part in the games to complete the team). They shared experience and knowledge with chilean athletes and directors. It was the first time a chilean team has ever played against another WCH selection.

Brazil was traveling with lesser athletes than usual, because, although the Project presented to Sports Ministery has been aproved, the resources for the travel haven’t been liberated. It happened due to a government measure called “contingency”. In this way, only athletes and directors who were able to pay for the trip could go to Chile.

Fortunately, the team was supported by Unipar and Unimed, who provided the uniforms. The yellow background was a tribute to the sacrifice of athletes and directors who made History by joining the 1st International Meeting of Wheelchair Handball.

In spite of the excellent mood that was noticeable between brazilian and chilean delegations, in the games they were both motivated and willing to win. In the first day, two WCH4 games were played, and Brazil won them both. It was clear that the chilean players were nervous for their debut.

On the second and third days, there were games of WH4 and WCH7, and Brazil won them all again. We must note that the chilean selection was fighting a brazilian one, and had never fought any other selection before, which justifies the results.

On the fourth day, Brazil and Chile trained together. Tathics and techniques were openly shared, and brazilian athletes got to know the court where chilean athletes usually train. It was a special moment, when, besides the share of experiences, athletes and directors had the spirit to make a “war of water”, which was extremely appropriated for the heat in the University’s court.

More about the Chilean exchange next week!