I have always been amazed at the dedication of our Olympic athletes who train, struggle, and work so very hard just for what in some cases amounts to mere seconds of competition, and for some, falling just short of getting the opportunity to represent their country in the grandest sporting event in the world. With the announcement of the 2016 Olympics to Rio and the loss of an automatic bid that would've come from Chicago I guess we are going to have the opportunity to enjoy that experience.

Yes, I said enjoy. We could cry over spilled milk and be upset at the I.O.C. for not granting Chicago the games. But that is not why athletes dedicate so many years of their lives to training for those brief moments. They do not do it simply for the prize at the end (although none would be upset at winning Gold). They do it because they love their sport and the love the process. For myself, I look forward to the challenge that faces us now because when we are standing on the floor watching our men and women challenging for the gold and shocking the world I will be able to look back on the process that got us there and all the great people that make up U.S. handball (players, coaches, recreational players, youth, referees, fans, and USATH staff) and I will be able to say with pride that I had a small part in making it happen. And that will make it all worthwhile.

I challenge all of you to now step up and join us in that dedication and find a way to help the U.S. bring home Team Handball gold in the very near future. Start a local youth program, contribute to USA Team Handball, sponsor a local program or tournament, run a clinic at your local youth serving agency, contact your local media and insist they do a story on our efforts, add a youth team to your existing club, start a Club team on your local college campus, be creative.

If you are interested in helping out, or have a great idea how to promote our sport please contact me at brian@usateamhandball.org