I wanted to offer a huge shout-out to some of our USATH member athletes and referees who recently volunteered a few hours of their time for the development of our sport. As you know, with 3 Regional Directors on the ground, there is absolutely no way to be in 50 states for all events. To be everywhere would mean a huge hindrance in the long term development of handball. Volunteers to help teach kids are always greatly appreciated.

Last month, we launched a large handball program within the New York City Parks and Recreation program. Led by City Wide Sports's Eric Wyche, Dannette Leininger and other center Directors, we have four centers participating from various boroughs and so far, the kids are loving handball! Every Saturday groups of kids in these centers learn to play, scrimmage and prepare for their 6 week league play starting in April. Then hopefully a summer program and more in the fall.

Anyhow, huge thanks to awesome members who volunteered their time, sometimes in inconvenient places, sometimes even driving in the snow to get to the city and help the kids! The kids absolutely loved everyone and hope to see them back!

-Gosia Golus (IHF referee)
-Divine Jackson (NYAC)
-Julia Mayer (NYC)
-Catherine Ball (West Point)
-Pedro Carreno (Carolina/NYC)
-Grace Lu (West Point)
-Morghan McAleney (West Point)
-Tanya McCorkle (West Point)
-Audrey Moton (West Point)
-Tjolanda Sullivan (West Point)
-Christina Tamaya (West Point)

Thank you to Captain Jana Fajardo at West Point for helping coordinate the Army athlete volunteer group. You're the best Jana!

Also to be noted is Divine Jackson's tremendous leadership in forming a Long Island high school team and including them in the P&R program. The more the merrier!

Thanks again everyone,

All of us at USATH

To find out how you can help grow our sport in the East, please e-mail me at dominique@usateamhandball.org