The IHF and its Official Partner, the Danish sports brand hummel, will continue their inspiring ‘Player of the Match’ award initiative at the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship in Denmark/Norway/Sweden, which throws-off on Wednesday, 29 November.

Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023 will see every single ‘Player of the Match’ in the 112-game competition given a direct opportunity to pass on their talent and passion for handball by donating hummel handball equipment to girls in Sierra Leone through the FANT - For A New Tomorrow organisation.

Through this initiative, hummel reaffirms its commitment to fostering empowerment and inclusion through sports by donating handball equipment to the FANT organisation, a partnership which has spanned over the course of the last few years.

The upcoming IHF Women’s World Championship marks the fifth occasion when hummel, the Danish sportswear brand, substitutes the IHF Player of the Match award with a dedicated contribution to the FANT organisation – For A New Tomorrow. This initiative plays a crucial role in providing essential resources for vulnerable girls in Sierra Leone.

 "We are honoured to stand alongside FANT for another IHF World Championship with the aim of empowering girls in Sierra Leone and providing them with better opportunities to pursue their passion for handball. This initiative not only enhances the sport but also strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these girls, fostering a sense of community where they can be stronger together,” says hummel CEO, Allan Vad Nielsen.

After each match at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023, the selected Player of the Match will get the opportunity to inspire the next generation by donating handball equipment to the FANT organisation. These donations aim to promote accessibility and ignite passion for the sport in communities where access to resources is limited, having already made a difference in Sierra Leone, where several handball teams have been created.

"We are beyond proud and grateful to continue this strong initiative together with hummel. By using the power of sports as a force for positive impact, hummel’s enduring support has been pivotal for our project throughout the years. Every day brings us closer to our common goal, and it’s amazing that hummel has once again chosen the World Championship as a platform to spotlight our project,” shares Cecilie Hauerberg, Co-founder of FANT.