Oceania Champs: What’s Funded, What’s Not, and How You Can Help

The success of our campaign isn’t just built on the hard work of players, coaches, and supporters—it also depends on financial backing. While we are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, we rely on sponsorships and community contributions to cover the wide-ranging costs of preparing for and participating in the Oceania Championships. Here’s a closer look at the financial aspects of this campaign and how you can help.

Covered Costs

Thanks to the International Handball Federation (IHF), significant portions of our Oceania Championship expenses are already covered, including:

  • Flights for players and delegation members.

  • Accommodation and meals throughout the event.

This generous support alleviates some of the financial burden, allowing us to focus on preparing for competition.

Player Contributions

Despite the assistance provided, players and their families still face several costs, including:

  • Training camp fees: Essential for high-performance preparation.

  • Uniforms: Ensuring players are equipped to represent New Zealand professionally.

  • Extras: Such as travel insurance, personal equipment, and local transport for training camps and events.

These costs can add up, especially for families who have supported their players throughout the year.

The Role of Sponsorships

As a growing sport, handball in New Zealand lacks dedicated fundraising or corporate sponsorships. To bridge the gap, we rely heavily on:

  • Social media visibility: Showcasing our players’ journeys to engage potential sponsors.

  • Community networks: Word of mouth and grassroots efforts to connect with businesses and individuals who believe in supporting the next generation of athletes.

Sponsorship isn’t just about funding—it’s about investing in the future of New Zealand handball. By partnering with us, sponsors can:

  • Gain brand visibility on a national and international stage.

  • Associate their business with values like teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.

  • Play a pivotal role in helping young athletes achieve their dreams.

How You Can Help

We’re calling on our community to support this campaign in any way possible:

  1. Spread the word: Share our story with friends, colleagues, or businesses that might be interested in sponsorship opportunities.

  2. Sponsor a player: Even a small contribution can go a long way in easing the financial burden for our families.

  3. Corporate partnerships: If you or someone you know is part of a business that values youth development and sport, we’d love to connect.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or make a contribution, please reach out to us directly.

Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U18 & U20 Teams