From 27 to 29 July, the ‘IHF Beach Handball Showcase’ will take place on the fringes of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Three men’s and three women’s All-star Teams, plus the French men’s and women’s national teams will play Beach Handball games across three days coached by six world-renowned, medal-laden coaches.

In total, 64 (32 men, 32 women) of the world’s best Beach Handball players from 18 countries will feature, including players from Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Islamic Republic of Iran, Netherlands, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, United States of America and Uruguay. 

In a special series of question and answers, IHF.info hears from players and coaches selected for the showcase. This time, it is multiple gold medal winning and regular All-star Team member, Brazilian player Patricia Scheppa, one of the players at the event in Paris.

IHF.info: How do you feel to be selected for this event? 

Patricia Scheppa: I feel extremely honoured and moved. It is the realisation of a dream and in fact a culmination for an athlete. I was very excited to be able to live this moment and I am very happy to know that I will make this dream come true and that this moment will be immortalised in history and will be able to contribute to the future of the sport.

IHF.info: Tell us about your Beach Handball career and your highlights so far…

Patricia Scheppa: I started playing in 2009, before I only played (indoor) handball and when I discovered Beach Handball I fell in love, I never saw myself without playing the sport again.

I only played on one team from the beginning until today, Campinas 360° Nas Areias and I've been on the Brazilian team since 2011. Experiencing unforgettable moments in the sport.

I consider all titles won to be part of a successful journey with the sport. But, without a doubt, being three-time world champion, elected MVP and legend of the sport by the IHF, are very special achievements as an athlete.

All the successes achieved through Beach Handball have taught me a lot and having the opportunity to showcase the sport at the Olympics is also a triumph in my career in Beach Handball. As I said, it’s a dream come true and it’s worth a lot, it is a very successful achievement for our Beach Handball and an indescribable emotion.

IHF.info: What do you love about Beach Handball? / How does Beach Handball make you feel?

Patricia Scheppa: Beach Handball is an unconditional love, I live the sport intensely, I love the characteristics; it is a spectacular, exciting and vibrant sport. Through Beach Handball my life was transformed and today, I owe much of who I have become to the sport.

Beach Handball is incredible and enchanting. Today I feel that this sport is part of me and who I am.

IHF.info: What are your hopes for the future of Beach Handball and the Olympic Games?

Patricia Scheppa: My biggest wish is for it to become an Olympic sport because it deserves it. Beach Handball will greatly enhance the Olympic Games. It will be a prominent and successful sport in the Olympic programme, and everyone will come to support and support their countries at the Olympics. After all, the sport is an unmissable show and everyone will fall in love, be enchanted and vibrate with every play.

IHF.info: What would you say to anyone who has never played or watched Beach Handball and is thinking of getting involved with the sport?

Patricia Scheppa: Everyone needs to know and practice Beach Handball, it is spectacular, magical, invigorating, full of incredible and surprising moves all practiced in a wonderful and lively environment – everyone feels welcomed and happy practicing.

It is a sport that can transform lives. Through it we practice Fair Play, respect, discipline, overcoming, interaction, friendship and we constantly learn from each other.

I feel fulfilled practicing Beach Handball and I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else other than in the world's arenas.

The IHF Beach Handball Showcase is a collaborative effort between the IHF, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (COJOP2024), French Handball Federation (FFHB) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).