Team handball is one of the seven nationally popular sports in Special Olympics. It is a sport that is 
played on a court slightly larger than the size of a basketball court and is often described as water 
  polo on dry land. The sport is fast-paced and requires agility, body control and strength. Athletes also 
 have to react quickly as they are only allowed to take three steps while in possession of the ball or 
 hold the ball for five seconds without moving. Team handball promotes excellent physical conditioning 
and a good working knowledge of team play. Good strategy planning and training are essential to 
successful competition in team handball. There are currently 2,251 athletes from 26 Programs from 
around the world participating in the sport. 

WORLD GAMES HISTORY 
Eleven teams participated in the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games in 
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. 

HIGHLIGHTS 
Two Special Olympics athletes, Rashad Pope and Price Lanier, are currently training 
with a group of Olympic athletes in team handball. These two athletes are vying to 
be chosen as members of the U.S. National Team for international competitions and 
competed for selection for the 2000 USA Olympic Team Handball Squad. This marks 
the first time in the 30-year history of the Special Olympics movement that Special 
Olympics athletes have made a national-level team.