Norway men’s handball team captain Bjarte Myrhol is leading an initiative to help youth and children’s sports clubs in Norway recover after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Myrhol started the fundraising initiative ‘Comeback’ together with ice hockey player Mats Zuccarello, who operates his own foundation supporting sports clubs for young people across Norway.
“We are afraid that the aftermath of the crisis will be great. And that there are many families who, for financial reasons, cannot afford to let their children participate in the same way as before,” said Myrhol.
After starting Comeback, Myrhol and Zuccarello have recruited a number of top Norwegian sports stars to help, including both national handball teams. In addition, football stars Martin Ødegaard, Erling Braut Haaland and Sander Berge have joined the campaign, as well as snowboarder Silje Norendal. As of the end of last week, Comeback had raised almost NOK 850,000.
“The idea behind Comeback is a helping hand from our top athletes to kids and young people across the country. The action is based on Norway’s leading athletes giving money from their own pockets,” stated the Norwegian Handball Federation.
“The funds raised will be used to create sports joy for children who, for various reasons, fall outside the sport. We are proud to be a part of Comeback and challenge other athletes to do the same!”
Members of the public as well as businesses can also contribute to the Comeback initiative. Sports clubs in Norway are able to apply for funds, which will be distributed when sports resume.
Visit the Comeback initiative web page (Norwegian) for more information.
Source: IHF.info
