Handball links Norway to emerging countries via Sports Peace Corps

Since 1983, the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) started to provide help and funding in different countries, engaging into developing sustainable sports structures throughout the world.

Every year, NIF has been offering passionate volunteers the chance to apply for the Sports Peace Corps programme, an exchange programme under the auspices of the Norwegian authority, contributing with sports expertise to schools, sports teams and local communities in different countries.

The purpose of the programme is to help children and young people in emerging countries equal opportunities and access to physical activity. With the volunteers’ board and lodging, insurance and travel costs supported by the NIF, everything is set to deliver a positive experience for individuals, families and communities in the countries that are in need of help.

As a powerhouse in handball, with Norway’s women’s handball team recently winning the gold medal at the IHF Women’s World Championship in Spain in December 2021, the sport is also well represented, as volunteers are needed in Livingstone, Zambia, in the 2022 edition of the Sports Peace Corps.

One of the former volunteers who worked in Zambia a few years ago was Maria Vikan Opheim, fulfilling a role of a club advisor. 

“I would recommend all sports-loving people to travel. This is the experience of all time! It was very educational year in many ways. There are so many reasons to go, but the very best are the people. If you feel down for a day, just take a walk on the street, you will be greeted by happy and jovial people. Had I had the opportunity, I would still be living in Zambia,” said Opheim, according to the official website of the Norwegian Handball Federation.

Opheim also worked as the Zambia women’s national team coach for a few months, after finishing her stint in the Sports Peace Corps.

“To be able to live a full 10 months in a different culture is unique. I thought it was nice to have the opportunity to be on exchange for such a long time. Then I got used to life and I no longer was a stranger. Taking the local bus instead of a taxi, eating with your hands, using your language, washing clothes by hand – things become completely natural and normal. Then you can really say that you have experienced a new culture, which is pretty cool to have with you!,” added Opheim.

Photo: NIF