Lundaspelen Handball 2023 attracts record numbers of teams
Since it started in 1978, Lundaspelen has had a huge impact and has grown into the world’s largest indoor handball tournament. Lundaspelen Handball is LUGI Handball’s flagship and central to its identity. The tournament has not only fuelled a passion for handball in Lund, it’s a crucial factor in strengthening our LUGI family bonds.
Over the past 15 years, Lundaspelen Handball has undergone an impressive development. The number of participating teams has steadily risen, and its global appeal has brought international teams to Lund to participate.
”In 2019, there were 712 teams, and though the 2022 tournament attracted 662 teams, it is now clear that Lundaspelen Handball is on its way to a record-breaking high, with almost 800 teams expected to join us for this year’s tournament. It’s an achievement that is nothing short of historic, a success that everyone in Lund and every handball enthusiast can be proud of,” says Hanna Frykman.
Lundaspelen is more than an outstanding sporting event. It is a significant contributor to Lund’s tourism industry. Players and their families generate well above SEK 30 million in tourism revenue. Hotels are full, restaurants and shops throng with parents, and the whole city is bustling at a time that would otherwise be quiet. Lundaspelen boosts Lund’s brand as a destination, as a university town, and as a tourist must-see, which is something Lundaspelen Handball is happy to contribute to.
What makes it even more impressive is that Lundaspelen Handball 2023 is run on a volunteer basis. Helene Nyrell, who sits on LUGI’s board, was appointed Lundaspelen Manager in June. Her role is to evaluate and improve the tournament, focusing on profitability without compromising on quality. The new Chair of Lundaspelen, Hanna Frykman, has recently joined us to build an even stronger team, making it even more enjoyable for everyone involved, and exploring development opportunities and new partnerships for the future. To help them they have the 40-strong Lundaspelen Committee, who plan and operate all the essential tournament services from sports halls and meals to transport and much more. Together with the parents of all the kids active in LUGI Handball, they make this huge event possible, and the time everyone puts in is impressive. Planning for Lundaspelen Handball 2024 is already underway.
“The rapid increase in the number of teams is a great opportunity for LUGI and Lund, but it also presents challenges for our organisation,” says Helene Nyrell. Even more will be needed from LUGI members to make sure the tournament runs smoothly, and partner clubs in and around Lund will need to surpass their previous achievements in helping stage the tournament. More resources will be needed, from accommodation and sports halls to school canteens and public transport. Lundaspelen is a huge logistical event that calls on the goodwill of a great many volunteers and partners for its winning streak.
Lundaspelen Handball is a story of youth sport, community involvement, and growth. It has evolved into one of the world’s leading handball tournaments, with an impact far beyond Sweden. There are many stories about families returning to Lund as tourists, students choosing Lund as their university, and team coaches showing off the city to the next generation just as they once played in Lundaspelen Handball themselves. In unsettled times, bringing young people together from different parts of the world to make friends and have fun together is a powerful way to build peace.
Lundaspelen Handball – creating memories for life.