From local insights to global adventures - Explore the diverse stories Korfball has to offer, worldwide and in the US!
A KORFBALL ADVENTURE ACROSS BORDERS - BUFFALO / NIAGARA,DAY 4
After the tournament and the photo sessions at the immense waterfalls, it's Team USA time and USKF time. We train Saturday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in a small hall in the north of Buffalo. It's such a lovely little sports hall at a local boys & girls club where they have a basketball court without a center section. So, the two buckets are almost close to each other... That means improvisation because korfball means moving and creating space. Nevertheless, this hall is great for tactical play. Even a four-on-four on two poles is quite doable here. It's been a long day, so we start a bit later and finish a bit earlier. We also have an extra USKF meeting in the evening.
During this meeting, we enjoy some ordered food and it's a follow-up to yesterday's meeting. How are we going to organize the National Championship? What is needed for that and what steps do we need to take? Furthermore, we've set up the USKF, but what are the next steps, the roles to be fulfilled, and the timeline? A good action list is the final piece. It actually works quite well to have two days of meetings close together, and it's also nice that some of the new people we've invited to join the meeting also contribute from their own professional background.
At 9:00 PM, I start yawning extensively because I wake up every morning at half past four or five to stay in the European rhythm. After four days, this starts to wear me out in the evenings. And I still have to drop someone off at her hotel, which is conveniently on the way to my room. Fortunately, we get through it, and we still have the next morning to discuss some things.
Sunday is my last day in the USA, and I wake up early again. I resist the urge to sleep a bit longer. Some preparations for today and a good morning walk to contemplate everything once again, after all, Korfball Canada is coming today, and as the Development Manager North America, I'm very interested in helping develop this group of korfball players. On the one hand, because it's often necessary, even if it's just based on my (korfball) knowledge or having connections or just brainstorming. On the other hand, because we're pulling hard for USA korfball, and Canada can nicely ride along with that. They are two hours away from Toronto, where they are based, and when we arrive at a quarter to eleven, their first car has already arrived. This group mainly consists of people from Hong Kong who emigrated to Canada and started korfball there. The advantage is that in this group, there are three korfball players who have been playing since elementary school. So, that creates a good combination with our players who have a lot of sports experience: one team mate has been playing korfball since childhood in the Netherlands, another has a significant number of years of korfball experience in India, and another plays netball in New York, used to play it in England, and also played korfball there for three years. The rest have a different sports background, and we're working hard to catch them up in korfball. Korfball Canada also brings along 6 'newbies,' people who have played sports but have hardly any korfball experience.
Still, after an hour of training on the basics and a small three-on-three tournament, I take a chance. I approach my contact person Kaelyn from Korfball Canada and ask her if she's up for an unofficial international match Canada-USA in Korfball4 format. Unofficial, firstly because few players are currently 'eligible' to play for the country; secondly, we don't do the national anthems, I'm the referee, we play two halves instead of four quarters, and we do it with the equipment and space we have. Kaelyn also sees the commercial value and sales value of such an international match, so we go for it.
At 1:00 PM, I blow the whistle for my first international match as a referee; it goes quite well, but I'm even more impressed by both Team USA and Korfball Canada. The correctness of the game, the balance and control of the players, the drive you want to see in a korfball match, and above all, enjoyable korfball with many good goals. In the end, Team USA, after trailing at halftime, takes control of the game and wins 8-7. After the final whistle, the camaraderie between both teams is exactly what you want to see; in sports in general but especially in korfball. Despite the vast distances in the USA, almost everyone is able to come and play korfball, so even if we're invited to Toronto sometime, they will certainly receive an invitation to the National Championships in September, and next year, we'll be back in Niagara.
After a closing lunch, I get back in my car and drive back to Toronto for my flight to the Netherlands. At the border to Canada, I notice that the customs officer is almost cheering that I'm visiting his country. I have to stop for exactly 1 minute; very different from entering the US. Without internet and navigation, because I'm back in Canada, I find my way back to Toronto Airport. Along the way, I occasionally catch a glimpse of Lake Ontario and see the outlines of Toronto in the distance. Once again, I enjoy these kinds of views and the fact that I can and may do this for korfball. Korfball is such a beautiful sport, and it's great to share it with other cultures and integrate korfball there. I feel a lot of gratitude but also satisfaction after this trip. It was definitely worth it.
At 9:00 PM, I have my flight back, and I'm so tired that I even fall asleep on the plane and only wake up again just above Ireland. Another hour and a half to Amsterdam.
Thanks for following this adventure, and until next time!
During this meeting, we enjoy some ordered food and it's a follow-up to yesterday's meeting. How are we going to organize the National Championship? What is needed for that and what steps do we need to take? Furthermore, we've set up the USKF, but what are the next steps, the roles to be fulfilled, and the timeline? A good action list is the final piece. It actually works quite well to have two days of meetings close together, and it's also nice that some of the new people we've invited to join the meeting also contribute from their own professional background.
At 9:00 PM, I start yawning extensively because I wake up every morning at half past four or five to stay in the European rhythm. After four days, this starts to wear me out in the evenings. And I still have to drop someone off at her hotel, which is conveniently on the way to my room. Fortunately, we get through it, and we still have the next morning to discuss some things.
Sunday is my last day in the USA, and I wake up early again. I resist the urge to sleep a bit longer. Some preparations for today and a good morning walk to contemplate everything once again, after all, Korfball Canada is coming today, and as the Development Manager North America, I'm very interested in helping develop this group of korfball players. On the one hand, because it's often necessary, even if it's just based on my (korfball) knowledge or having connections or just brainstorming. On the other hand, because we're pulling hard for USA korfball, and Canada can nicely ride along with that. They are two hours away from Toronto, where they are based, and when we arrive at a quarter to eleven, their first car has already arrived. This group mainly consists of people from Hong Kong who emigrated to Canada and started korfball there. The advantage is that in this group, there are three korfball players who have been playing since elementary school. So, that creates a good combination with our players who have a lot of sports experience: one team mate has been playing korfball since childhood in the Netherlands, another has a significant number of years of korfball experience in India, and another plays netball in New York, used to play it in England, and also played korfball there for three years. The rest have a different sports background, and we're working hard to catch them up in korfball. Korfball Canada also brings along 6 'newbies,' people who have played sports but have hardly any korfball experience.
Still, after an hour of training on the basics and a small three-on-three tournament, I take a chance. I approach my contact person Kaelyn from Korfball Canada and ask her if she's up for an unofficial international match Canada-USA in Korfball4 format. Unofficial, firstly because few players are currently 'eligible' to play for the country; secondly, we don't do the national anthems, I'm the referee, we play two halves instead of four quarters, and we do it with the equipment and space we have. Kaelyn also sees the commercial value and sales value of such an international match, so we go for it.
At 1:00 PM, I blow the whistle for my first international match as a referee; it goes quite well, but I'm even more impressed by both Team USA and Korfball Canada. The correctness of the game, the balance and control of the players, the drive you want to see in a korfball match, and above all, enjoyable korfball with many good goals. In the end, Team USA, after trailing at halftime, takes control of the game and wins 8-7. After the final whistle, the camaraderie between both teams is exactly what you want to see; in sports in general but especially in korfball. Despite the vast distances in the USA, almost everyone is able to come and play korfball, so even if we're invited to Toronto sometime, they will certainly receive an invitation to the National Championships in September, and next year, we'll be back in Niagara.
After a closing lunch, I get back in my car and drive back to Toronto for my flight to the Netherlands. At the border to Canada, I notice that the customs officer is almost cheering that I'm visiting his country. I have to stop for exactly 1 minute; very different from entering the US. Without internet and navigation, because I'm back in Canada, I find my way back to Toronto Airport. Along the way, I occasionally catch a glimpse of Lake Ontario and see the outlines of Toronto in the distance. Once again, I enjoy these kinds of views and the fact that I can and may do this for korfball. Korfball is such a beautiful sport, and it's great to share it with other cultures and integrate korfball there. I feel a lot of gratitude but also satisfaction after this trip. It was definitely worth it.
At 9:00 PM, I have my flight back, and I'm so tired that I even fall asleep on the plane and only wake up again just above Ireland. Another hour and a half to Amsterdam.
Thanks for following this adventure, and until next time!
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
A KORFBALL ADVENTURE ACROSS BORDERS - BUFFALO / NIAGARA,DAY 3
On Friday, finally, the korfball part of my trip begins. At 1:00 PM, most of us arrive, and the request is made to meet at a good lunch spot. I take the initiative and find one a few miles from my hotel. The Original Pancake House is the location, and it turns out to be a great choice. Not only can we have a great lunch here (also with whole grain toast instead of sweet, greasy American pancakes), but we also have a nice table where we can sit longer without being disturbed. Here, we hold our first USKF meeting in the new style. We discuss many important things to take further steps, such as registering as a non-profit organization, the development of youth korfball, Team USA issues, and the increase in the number of requests for korfball. Equipment is always a tricky point since korfball equipment is only made in Europe and Asia, and transportation is quite expensive, both in terms of import and transport in this huge country.
After lunch, some go to the AirB&B they rented, and I go back to my hotel for some work. Our first session in the evening is at a Community Center in Getzville. I'm always amazed at how some communities in the USA are able to build the most beautiful and efficient sports facilities, fully equipped. This once again shows that besides obesity, there is also a lot of sport in Americans. Also, a group of young people immediately joins us, and we can play some very nice three-on-three matches. After an hour and a half, we end our session and go for a late dinner at Dave's Hot Chicken. I can choose from seven different levels of spices, from 'no spice' to the 'reaper.' For the latter, you apparently have to sign a waiver regarding your own responsibility. I just choose 'hot' (the second-highest level of spices), and even then, every bite burns my mouth, makes my nose run, and my eyes water.
Saturday morning, I first pick up one of our players from the station. The Amtrak is the regular American passenger train. Whereas the train in many developed countries is an efficient and sometimes reasonably fast transportation system, Amtrak in the USA is still a cumbersome, heavy train that slowly picks up speed, never travels too fast, and mostly operates on an irregular schedule. They just can't seem to get it together here. Cleveland to Buffalo takes more than three hours, while a high-speed train traveling at 300 km/h should cover a distance of about 160 km with a few stops in just an hour. For comparison: Rotterdam to Zwolle with the Intercity should take 1 hour and 37 minutes according to the schedule.
Anyway! Back to korfball... We arrive at another fantastic university campus in Lewiston, right next to Niagara Falls, where Niagara University is located. The gymnasium is excellent and (almost) big enough for an indoor korfball match. The organization of the university is also very good; the assistant to the dean is responsible for the organization. The only downside is that instead of the expected 50-60 students, we only have 25-30 because last week, the university suddenly decided to have Monday off due to the eclipse, causing most of the students to go home. It works out well for me because with four poles, it's difficult to keep 60 people busy.
For the first hour, I start with the basics of korfball: shooting, running in, passing, duels, and of course, some basic rules. We play small matches of 2-on-2 and 3-on-3. It's incredible to see the talent here. Many korfball trainers would be thrilled with the enthusiasm, skills, athleticism, and insight of these guys. And these aren't even the absolute top players who participate in college competitions. It just confirms once again: You don't have to teach Americans how to play sports; We just have to teach them korfball elements. After lunch, of course, a deliciously greasy pizza and a bottle of blue Gatorade, we play a real tournament in Korfball4. Here too, the drive and skills of the Americans to adopt a ball sport and excel within the rules are evident. They immediately notice when they commit a foul, so the referee on duty, yours truly, has an easy job.
The winners are honored, and we end with the shooting game 'Killer,' where a korfball t-shirt can be won with the text 'My hoop is higher than yours' (for the non-linguists among us: a comparison of the difficulty level between korfball and basketball). Everyone wants to win it, so here too, there is a fierce competition and disappointment upon elimination. The winner goes home very happy.
After this delightful session, we take team photos at Niagara Falls. By now, the weather has become fantastic, with clear blue skies and a lovely sun at about 9 degrees Celsius. Our current team may still not be able to compete with other countries (yet!), but our team photo is, by far, the most iconic (in terms of location) I have seen in a long time...
After lunch, some go to the AirB&B they rented, and I go back to my hotel for some work. Our first session in the evening is at a Community Center in Getzville. I'm always amazed at how some communities in the USA are able to build the most beautiful and efficient sports facilities, fully equipped. This once again shows that besides obesity, there is also a lot of sport in Americans. Also, a group of young people immediately joins us, and we can play some very nice three-on-three matches. After an hour and a half, we end our session and go for a late dinner at Dave's Hot Chicken. I can choose from seven different levels of spices, from 'no spice' to the 'reaper.' For the latter, you apparently have to sign a waiver regarding your own responsibility. I just choose 'hot' (the second-highest level of spices), and even then, every bite burns my mouth, makes my nose run, and my eyes water.
Saturday morning, I first pick up one of our players from the station. The Amtrak is the regular American passenger train. Whereas the train in many developed countries is an efficient and sometimes reasonably fast transportation system, Amtrak in the USA is still a cumbersome, heavy train that slowly picks up speed, never travels too fast, and mostly operates on an irregular schedule. They just can't seem to get it together here. Cleveland to Buffalo takes more than three hours, while a high-speed train traveling at 300 km/h should cover a distance of about 160 km with a few stops in just an hour. For comparison: Rotterdam to Zwolle with the Intercity should take 1 hour and 37 minutes according to the schedule.
Anyway! Back to korfball... We arrive at another fantastic university campus in Lewiston, right next to Niagara Falls, where Niagara University is located. The gymnasium is excellent and (almost) big enough for an indoor korfball match. The organization of the university is also very good; the assistant to the dean is responsible for the organization. The only downside is that instead of the expected 50-60 students, we only have 25-30 because last week, the university suddenly decided to have Monday off due to the eclipse, causing most of the students to go home. It works out well for me because with four poles, it's difficult to keep 60 people busy.
For the first hour, I start with the basics of korfball: shooting, running in, passing, duels, and of course, some basic rules. We play small matches of 2-on-2 and 3-on-3. It's incredible to see the talent here. Many korfball trainers would be thrilled with the enthusiasm, skills, athleticism, and insight of these guys. And these aren't even the absolute top players who participate in college competitions. It just confirms once again: You don't have to teach Americans how to play sports; We just have to teach them korfball elements. After lunch, of course, a deliciously greasy pizza and a bottle of blue Gatorade, we play a real tournament in Korfball4. Here too, the drive and skills of the Americans to adopt a ball sport and excel within the rules are evident. They immediately notice when they commit a foul, so the referee on duty, yours truly, has an easy job.
The winners are honored, and we end with the shooting game 'Killer,' where a korfball t-shirt can be won with the text 'My hoop is higher than yours' (for the non-linguists among us: a comparison of the difficulty level between korfball and basketball). Everyone wants to win it, so here too, there is a fierce competition and disappointment upon elimination. The winner goes home very happy.
After this delightful session, we take team photos at Niagara Falls. By now, the weather has become fantastic, with clear blue skies and a lovely sun at about 9 degrees Celsius. Our current team may still not be able to compete with other countries (yet!), but our team photo is, by far, the most iconic (in terms of location) I have seen in a long time...
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
A KORFBALL ADVENTURE ACROSS BORDERS - BUFFALO / NIAGARA,DAY 2
Thursday morning I wake up very early. At three thirty (nine thirty Central European Time) I can't sleep anymore. After some reading and dozing off, I get out of bed at five o'clock. I have plenty to prepare, so I open my computer. Yet, the first thing I do is research how to get to Niagara Falls. This world-famous natural wonder, on the Niagara River flowing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, is a must-see. I figure out that I need to drive west on Highway 5 and then turn right onto Highway 62. That will take me with a big curve to the heart of Niagara Falls and the parking lots at Niagara Falls State Park.
On the way, I pass various shops, malls, and shopping areas, so I buy a bag of whole grain bagels, some bottles of drinks, and a sealed container of roast beef at Walmart. It's four degrees Celsius outside, so it should stay fine. Eventually, I drive through the town of Niagara Falls and see the mist rising in the distance. This is mist rising from the waterfall, which makes me very curious. I arrive at half past nine, so it can't be crowded yet. I quickly find a parking spot, and for $10, I can park there all day. I walk past the visitor center and head to The American Falls, where people are standing at a fence taking pictures. I join them and take some photos and, of course, a selfie. Yet, I'm not satisfied and see that the plateau protrudes a bit further ahead, so I head there. Here, I have a full view of the waterfall, and it's truly impressive. Then there's also the observation platform that extends about fifty meters above the river. For $30, I could go on 'The Maid of the Mist,' a tour boat that takes you to The Horseshoe Falls and gets you soaking wet in the mentioned mist. I decide not to do this, but for $1.25, I can go up to the observation platform. The cashier also tells me that I can take the elevator down and walk from there to Cove Nest near the waterfall. On the observation platform, I have a truly spectacular view, and I stand there enjoying the spectacle for a while. From the platform, I can already see down below that I probably can't reach Cove Nest; it seems closed off. After taking the elevator down and a short walk, it turns out to be indeed closed off. So, I take a nice walk to Goat Island for a view of The Horseshoe Falls. The amount of water flowing down here is enormous, and honestly, the view is a bit disappointing. It's cloudy, so there's little light on the waterfall, and the sun doesn't seem to come out anymore. The mist also doesn't make the eventual photos any better. Nevertheless, it's still a spectacular experience.
All in all, I walked about six kilometers and spent about two and a half hours. Then, I visit some souvenir shops and gradually head back to Buffalo. Niagara Falls, the town itself, is not impressive at all. There are hardly any old buildings, and what is old and run-down certainly aren't historic buildings but rather dilapidated houses.
In the afternoon, on the way back to Buffalo, it's time for some shopping at JCPenny, Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart, etc. Around four o'clock, I'm back in my room and decide to go for a run. Now, I mentioned it was four degrees Celsius... Running in my tracksuit against a freezing east wind is not advisable. The wind immediately hits my lungs, and of course, I have to stand in the cold waiting to cross at a busy intersection. Eventually, I manage to endure this for a little over two kilometers and decide to turn back. The slightly over two kilometers back go a bit better since the wind is at my back. Almost at my hotel, I stop by a good coffee shop that I discovered and get a large cup of hot tea to take back to the hotel room.
After a warm shower and some healthy takeaway food, I spend the rest of the evening in my room, preparing for the weekend.
On the way, I pass various shops, malls, and shopping areas, so I buy a bag of whole grain bagels, some bottles of drinks, and a sealed container of roast beef at Walmart. It's four degrees Celsius outside, so it should stay fine. Eventually, I drive through the town of Niagara Falls and see the mist rising in the distance. This is mist rising from the waterfall, which makes me very curious. I arrive at half past nine, so it can't be crowded yet. I quickly find a parking spot, and for $10, I can park there all day. I walk past the visitor center and head to The American Falls, where people are standing at a fence taking pictures. I join them and take some photos and, of course, a selfie. Yet, I'm not satisfied and see that the plateau protrudes a bit further ahead, so I head there. Here, I have a full view of the waterfall, and it's truly impressive. Then there's also the observation platform that extends about fifty meters above the river. For $30, I could go on 'The Maid of the Mist,' a tour boat that takes you to The Horseshoe Falls and gets you soaking wet in the mentioned mist. I decide not to do this, but for $1.25, I can go up to the observation platform. The cashier also tells me that I can take the elevator down and walk from there to Cove Nest near the waterfall. On the observation platform, I have a truly spectacular view, and I stand there enjoying the spectacle for a while. From the platform, I can already see down below that I probably can't reach Cove Nest; it seems closed off. After taking the elevator down and a short walk, it turns out to be indeed closed off. So, I take a nice walk to Goat Island for a view of The Horseshoe Falls. The amount of water flowing down here is enormous, and honestly, the view is a bit disappointing. It's cloudy, so there's little light on the waterfall, and the sun doesn't seem to come out anymore. The mist also doesn't make the eventual photos any better. Nevertheless, it's still a spectacular experience.
All in all, I walked about six kilometers and spent about two and a half hours. Then, I visit some souvenir shops and gradually head back to Buffalo. Niagara Falls, the town itself, is not impressive at all. There are hardly any old buildings, and what is old and run-down certainly aren't historic buildings but rather dilapidated houses.
In the afternoon, on the way back to Buffalo, it's time for some shopping at JCPenny, Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart, etc. Around four o'clock, I'm back in my room and decide to go for a run. Now, I mentioned it was four degrees Celsius... Running in my tracksuit against a freezing east wind is not advisable. The wind immediately hits my lungs, and of course, I have to stand in the cold waiting to cross at a busy intersection. Eventually, I manage to endure this for a little over two kilometers and decide to turn back. The slightly over two kilometers back go a bit better since the wind is at my back. Almost at my hotel, I stop by a good coffee shop that I discovered and get a large cup of hot tea to take back to the hotel room.
After a warm shower and some healthy takeaway food, I spend the rest of the evening in my room, preparing for the weekend.
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
A Korfball adventure across borders - Buffalo / NIagara,Day 1
After waking up early on Wednesday morning and taking the train to Schiphol, I check in at Air Canada for my direct flight to Toronto, Canada.
"Canada?" you might be thinking. Yes!
Since my previous adventure in November 2023, there have been several new developments. Korfball is now being played in various places in the US, and local teams are being built to participate in the National Championship in September. Furthermore, the possibilities to order equipment have been further explored, still outrageously expensive but now more realistic. Additionally, a number of athletes and former korfball players have expressed interest in contributing to the development of Team USA. Moreover, Korfball Canada is in development, but above all, there are several universities in the north interested in at least demonstrating the sport, with the most concrete one being Niagara University in Niagara Falls. Here, we have an introductory clinic scheduled for this Saturday and a tournament in the afternoon. Around this, we are, of course, planning Team USA and USKF meetings, this time in locations in Buffalo, south of Niagara Falls.
Toronto is the best place to fly directly to. Otherwise, I would have a problem with the return flight, which would either start Sunday afternoon, making me unable to attend the korfball session on Sunday, or Monday afternoon. Leading up to this weekend, it was already evident that there will be a total solar eclipse in the region on Monday, and it's being extensively celebrated, visited, and sold here as only Americans can do. Consequently, hotels from Sunday to Monday are mostly fully booked. And what's available costs from $400 per night! That seemed a bit excessive to me, so I chose Toronto, from where I'll fly back at 9:00 PM on Sunday evening.
I do have a challenge, though, as I need to drive from Canada into the US. It should be possible, but it seems it can take quite a while, and the Americans find it odd that you fly to Canada to be in the US. Additionally, when I land at 2:15 PM local time in Toronto, the weather is unabashedly dreadful. Driving in a country where you don't know the roads, with rain pouring down, encountering various traffic jams, in a rental car without navigation, and no internet on your phone makes it a challenge. A stop at the Golden Arches (with good WiFi) helps a bit, but ultimately, it takes me two hours and fifteen minutes to cover a stretch of 92 kilometers. After another stop at a McD's for WiFi, I figure out how to get into the US, and after some time, I reach the border. I naturally stop just past 'a line' on the road, which is heavily criticized by the border officer. However, the gentleman is understanding for my first time at this border post and sensitive to my sincere apologies. I'm allowed to park at a building a little further on; he keeps my passport. I have to enter the building at door 2, and it turns out to be a sort of border office. After fifteen minutes of waiting, I'm allowed to approach a counter and am interrogated by another, stern border officer. I answer his questions honestly and to the best of my ability, have my photo taken, and my fingerprints taken. After five minutes of staring at his screen and him staring at me, he seems satisfied, and I'm allowed to go to the next counter to pay $6. I didn't ask why I had to do that, while I have a valid ESTA for the US. Just pay and move on...
I'm back in the US!
While waiting, I already checked the best way to get to my hotel, so once in the car, I confidently drive onto the bypass around Buffalo and towards the exit I need. At the junction with Highway 5 east, I turn off and head towards Clarence, where I have a room at the Clarence Inn. The Clarence Inn is a large house with a long, one-story building behind it containing 12 small rooms... This is where I'll be staying for the next four nights.
Now, to prepare for some exciting active days, lots of new contacts, and of course, KORFBALL!
"Canada?" you might be thinking. Yes!
Since my previous adventure in November 2023, there have been several new developments. Korfball is now being played in various places in the US, and local teams are being built to participate in the National Championship in September. Furthermore, the possibilities to order equipment have been further explored, still outrageously expensive but now more realistic. Additionally, a number of athletes and former korfball players have expressed interest in contributing to the development of Team USA. Moreover, Korfball Canada is in development, but above all, there are several universities in the north interested in at least demonstrating the sport, with the most concrete one being Niagara University in Niagara Falls. Here, we have an introductory clinic scheduled for this Saturday and a tournament in the afternoon. Around this, we are, of course, planning Team USA and USKF meetings, this time in locations in Buffalo, south of Niagara Falls.
Toronto is the best place to fly directly to. Otherwise, I would have a problem with the return flight, which would either start Sunday afternoon, making me unable to attend the korfball session on Sunday, or Monday afternoon. Leading up to this weekend, it was already evident that there will be a total solar eclipse in the region on Monday, and it's being extensively celebrated, visited, and sold here as only Americans can do. Consequently, hotels from Sunday to Monday are mostly fully booked. And what's available costs from $400 per night! That seemed a bit excessive to me, so I chose Toronto, from where I'll fly back at 9:00 PM on Sunday evening.
I do have a challenge, though, as I need to drive from Canada into the US. It should be possible, but it seems it can take quite a while, and the Americans find it odd that you fly to Canada to be in the US. Additionally, when I land at 2:15 PM local time in Toronto, the weather is unabashedly dreadful. Driving in a country where you don't know the roads, with rain pouring down, encountering various traffic jams, in a rental car without navigation, and no internet on your phone makes it a challenge. A stop at the Golden Arches (with good WiFi) helps a bit, but ultimately, it takes me two hours and fifteen minutes to cover a stretch of 92 kilometers. After another stop at a McD's for WiFi, I figure out how to get into the US, and after some time, I reach the border. I naturally stop just past 'a line' on the road, which is heavily criticized by the border officer. However, the gentleman is understanding for my first time at this border post and sensitive to my sincere apologies. I'm allowed to park at a building a little further on; he keeps my passport. I have to enter the building at door 2, and it turns out to be a sort of border office. After fifteen minutes of waiting, I'm allowed to approach a counter and am interrogated by another, stern border officer. I answer his questions honestly and to the best of my ability, have my photo taken, and my fingerprints taken. After five minutes of staring at his screen and him staring at me, he seems satisfied, and I'm allowed to go to the next counter to pay $6. I didn't ask why I had to do that, while I have a valid ESTA for the US. Just pay and move on...
I'm back in the US!
While waiting, I already checked the best way to get to my hotel, so once in the car, I confidently drive onto the bypass around Buffalo and towards the exit I need. At the junction with Highway 5 east, I turn off and head towards Clarence, where I have a room at the Clarence Inn. The Clarence Inn is a large house with a long, one-story building behind it containing 12 small rooms... This is where I'll be staying for the next four nights.
Now, to prepare for some exciting active days, lots of new contacts, and of course, KORFBALL!
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
From the Coach: US Korfball - advancing towards the global stage
A lot has happened since the Chattanooga Korfball Weekend back in November. Feeling marvelous about the trip to the United States, I went back to Europe and we continued the conversations online. It is great to see that already in six different places (i.e.,) throughout the USA, people are working hard to build a solid base for Korfball and have started working towards the National Championships later this year.
Developing Korfball in the United States requires the training of both youth and adult players. As many of our current players have experienced, having the right equipment and spaces to play has been a challenge. Netball equipment just as basketball hoops can be used for shooting drills, while passing and receiving can easily be done against a wall. However, proper playing of Korfball and shooting games similar to those we practiced in Chattanooga work best with Korfball equipment and more people. This applies to all formats of Korfball (e.g., Korfball4, Korfball8, Beach Korfball). It has, therefore, become important to make connections with manufacturers who can produce posts and bases and to find the financial means to order equipment from local and/or international vendors, such as the company in Hong Kong or from the Schelde Sports America. Only then can universities, colleges, and K-12 schools adopt the sport and contribute to growing our members.
All over the world, there are interesting developments in Korfball. For this newsletter, I want to take you all with me and describe the Korfball Champions League in Europe. During the last week of January in Lisbon, Portugal (coincidentally where Lariel, one of our Team USA members, is based), the Korfball Champions League Challenger was held. Korfbal Klub Brno from the Czech Republic were the winners. The week before in Turkey, the Korfball Champions League Satellite was played during which Schweriner Korfball Club from Germany won the trophy. Preceding both tournaments, there were qualifying tournaments in Portugal and Poland last year. In Papendrecht, The Netherlands, the Korfball Champions League Finals will occur, with the champions of the earlier tournaments Boeckenberg from Belgium and PKC from The Netherlands added to the field of six. On www.korfball.sport, you can find more information on these tournaments and the participating clubs from many European countries. It’s incredible that Korfball is already so widespread that such a concept works. A Champions World Cup with champions of all continents would be a dream for the future of Korfball. With this, I believe the only country in the world who would be able to beat the Dutch in the future is the USA. The US has the sports mentality, the economic options, and the capacity to recruit athletes to do so.
Next to the upcoming National Championships, the successes of Team USA Beach Korfball and their aspiration to compete in the World Beach Korfball Championship in Pattaya, Thailand in April and the opportunity to be involved in the Pan-American Games are on the horizon! Let’s keep our sport growing within the country…
I am proud to work with so many people who are already so passionate about Korfball, and I am convinced that together, we will succeed.
Developing Korfball in the United States requires the training of both youth and adult players. As many of our current players have experienced, having the right equipment and spaces to play has been a challenge. Netball equipment just as basketball hoops can be used for shooting drills, while passing and receiving can easily be done against a wall. However, proper playing of Korfball and shooting games similar to those we practiced in Chattanooga work best with Korfball equipment and more people. This applies to all formats of Korfball (e.g., Korfball4, Korfball8, Beach Korfball). It has, therefore, become important to make connections with manufacturers who can produce posts and bases and to find the financial means to order equipment from local and/or international vendors, such as the company in Hong Kong or from the Schelde Sports America. Only then can universities, colleges, and K-12 schools adopt the sport and contribute to growing our members.
All over the world, there are interesting developments in Korfball. For this newsletter, I want to take you all with me and describe the Korfball Champions League in Europe. During the last week of January in Lisbon, Portugal (coincidentally where Lariel, one of our Team USA members, is based), the Korfball Champions League Challenger was held. Korfbal Klub Brno from the Czech Republic were the winners. The week before in Turkey, the Korfball Champions League Satellite was played during which Schweriner Korfball Club from Germany won the trophy. Preceding both tournaments, there were qualifying tournaments in Portugal and Poland last year. In Papendrecht, The Netherlands, the Korfball Champions League Finals will occur, with the champions of the earlier tournaments Boeckenberg from Belgium and PKC from The Netherlands added to the field of six. On www.korfball.sport, you can find more information on these tournaments and the participating clubs from many European countries. It’s incredible that Korfball is already so widespread that such a concept works. A Champions World Cup with champions of all continents would be a dream for the future of Korfball. With this, I believe the only country in the world who would be able to beat the Dutch in the future is the USA. The US has the sports mentality, the economic options, and the capacity to recruit athletes to do so.
Next to the upcoming National Championships, the successes of Team USA Beach Korfball and their aspiration to compete in the World Beach Korfball Championship in Pattaya, Thailand in April and the opportunity to be involved in the Pan-American Games are on the horizon! Let’s keep our sport growing within the country…
I am proud to work with so many people who are already so passionate about Korfball, and I am convinced that together, we will succeed.
Thanks!
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM: PART 6
"Sweet Home Alabama!"
About eight years ago, in early November 2015, I arrived in Birmingham for the first time. I drove in from Tennessee via Interstate 22. It was in the afternoon, with a clear blue sky and the sun at a certain angle over the city, and I was immediately captivated, besides the fact that my sport, my hobby, and a significant part of my life—korfball, would play a major role here at The World Games 2021 (which was postponed to TWG 2022 due to the Covid pandemic). The warm welcome in Birmingham, which later led to forming genuine friendships, still makes me enjoy coming back here. I've been here about seven times now.
After the amazing weekend in Chattanooga, I arrive in Birmingham two and a half hours later. I can't check into my hotel yet, but there are plenty of reasons to take some detours, do some shopping, and explore. Unfortunately, my first contact, the head of the Birmingham School System, is at the ASAHPERD (Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) conference in Hoover, a bit further south. Each state in the US has its own ...HPERD organization that holds conferences twice a year, where PE teachers go to learn more, explore new sports and trends, and simply meet each other.
Immediately, my thoughts go back to 2016 and 2017 when I, along with Sjouke, had the opportunity to present korfball at this conference. We brought along the poles and bases produced in America, as well as the baskets from the Netherlands, in our car, and we met Sherri at the huge conference center, shopping mall, and hotel there. We expected to have a sort of sports hall to let the PE teachers visiting us play korfball, but we ended up in a ballroom with a relatively low ceiling and four huge chandeliers, so we had to play around them. Miraculously, everyone succeeded with flying colors, which prevented a lot of later trouble.
In 2016, for our previous clinics and the korfball course we gave there, eight complete poles were purchased from the USKF, which were then stored at Ramsay High School. Last year, at the same school where both Chinese Taipei and Team NL had their training sessions during TWG 2022, I saw about eight to twelve new poles of the type we also have within our association. Additionally, last year at the BJCC, alongside the hall where the korfball matches were played (with four poles), we counted about twenty poles. That means there were about forty poles in Birmingham during TWG 2022. Well, that's enough korfball to play with, you could say! The story was that the Birmingham School System would receive these poles for their gym classes. Unfortunately, stories about this also vary.
It's completely unclear what equipment is now in Birmingham, where it went, and whether it's still being used. Sherri from the Birmingham School System says that korfball is played regularly at schools there and that the equipment is of a different origin than what was at the BJCC. My contact at the former Local Organizing Committee (after TWG 2022, this organization was dismantled at full speed, and everyone returned to their own roles and tasks) is searching through the archives and warehouses in and around Birmingham for me. The Athletic Director of Ramsay High School told us that the first eight poles were lost in the terrible fire they had in their gym about three years ago. Meanwhile, our new area manager wants to further develop 'Iron City Korfball' and simply needs equipment, and ordering seems so pointless knowing that there is so much!
The various visits on Tuesday to the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) where we have a high-level contact, the visit to the A4one facility where they try to provide a platform for 'lesser' neighborhoods and disadvantaged youth as a non-profit organization and succeed in a great way, as well as the visit to a high school in the south of Birmingham, all show that the opportunities are indeed unprecedented, for every sport but also certainly for korfball! And every time, my enthusiasm gets a boost...
This busy Tuesday was the culmination of my impressive and inspiring visit to the USA. As an IKF Coach instructor; as Development Manager Northern Americas; as a coach within the USKF, I bring a lot of (korfball) knowledge, experience, and vision, but the dedication of the various organizers as well as the sports culture and mentality of Americans made these 12 days (with 3000 kilometers by car and 6 hotels) successful, inspiring, and above all, very fruitful.
I feel a lot of gratitude towards others. That I can do this (also privately 😊), that I get the opportunity for it, and the positive reactions from all over the world. I owe even more thanks to the people organizing this locally...
"In size, in (sports) mentality, in economy, and in potential, the USA is the only country that could defeat Team NL Korfball in the long term."
About eight years ago, in early November 2015, I arrived in Birmingham for the first time. I drove in from Tennessee via Interstate 22. It was in the afternoon, with a clear blue sky and the sun at a certain angle over the city, and I was immediately captivated, besides the fact that my sport, my hobby, and a significant part of my life—korfball, would play a major role here at The World Games 2021 (which was postponed to TWG 2022 due to the Covid pandemic). The warm welcome in Birmingham, which later led to forming genuine friendships, still makes me enjoy coming back here. I've been here about seven times now.
After the amazing weekend in Chattanooga, I arrive in Birmingham two and a half hours later. I can't check into my hotel yet, but there are plenty of reasons to take some detours, do some shopping, and explore. Unfortunately, my first contact, the head of the Birmingham School System, is at the ASAHPERD (Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) conference in Hoover, a bit further south. Each state in the US has its own ...HPERD organization that holds conferences twice a year, where PE teachers go to learn more, explore new sports and trends, and simply meet each other.
Immediately, my thoughts go back to 2016 and 2017 when I, along with Sjouke, had the opportunity to present korfball at this conference. We brought along the poles and bases produced in America, as well as the baskets from the Netherlands, in our car, and we met Sherri at the huge conference center, shopping mall, and hotel there. We expected to have a sort of sports hall to let the PE teachers visiting us play korfball, but we ended up in a ballroom with a relatively low ceiling and four huge chandeliers, so we had to play around them. Miraculously, everyone succeeded with flying colors, which prevented a lot of later trouble.
In 2016, for our previous clinics and the korfball course we gave there, eight complete poles were purchased from the USKF, which were then stored at Ramsay High School. Last year, at the same school where both Chinese Taipei and Team NL had their training sessions during TWG 2022, I saw about eight to twelve new poles of the type we also have within our association. Additionally, last year at the BJCC, alongside the hall where the korfball matches were played (with four poles), we counted about twenty poles. That means there were about forty poles in Birmingham during TWG 2022. Well, that's enough korfball to play with, you could say! The story was that the Birmingham School System would receive these poles for their gym classes. Unfortunately, stories about this also vary.
It's completely unclear what equipment is now in Birmingham, where it went, and whether it's still being used. Sherri from the Birmingham School System says that korfball is played regularly at schools there and that the equipment is of a different origin than what was at the BJCC. My contact at the former Local Organizing Committee (after TWG 2022, this organization was dismantled at full speed, and everyone returned to their own roles and tasks) is searching through the archives and warehouses in and around Birmingham for me. The Athletic Director of Ramsay High School told us that the first eight poles were lost in the terrible fire they had in their gym about three years ago. Meanwhile, our new area manager wants to further develop 'Iron City Korfball' and simply needs equipment, and ordering seems so pointless knowing that there is so much!
The various visits on Tuesday to the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) where we have a high-level contact, the visit to the A4one facility where they try to provide a platform for 'lesser' neighborhoods and disadvantaged youth as a non-profit organization and succeed in a great way, as well as the visit to a high school in the south of Birmingham, all show that the opportunities are indeed unprecedented, for every sport but also certainly for korfball! And every time, my enthusiasm gets a boost...
This busy Tuesday was the culmination of my impressive and inspiring visit to the USA. As an IKF Coach instructor; as Development Manager Northern Americas; as a coach within the USKF, I bring a lot of (korfball) knowledge, experience, and vision, but the dedication of the various organizers as well as the sports culture and mentality of Americans made these 12 days (with 3000 kilometers by car and 6 hotels) successful, inspiring, and above all, very fruitful.
I feel a lot of gratitude towards others. That I can do this (also privately 😊), that I get the opportunity for it, and the positive reactions from all over the world. I owe even more thanks to the people organizing this locally...
"In size, in (sports) mentality, in economy, and in potential, the USA is the only country that could defeat Team NL Korfball in the long term."
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM: PART 5
Wow! This weekend was intense, fast-paced, and incredibly successful... Of course, results may vary, but what a weekend it was!
I told everyone that we would start promptly at ten o'clock on Saturday morning. We had about seven hours of continuous training scheduled, along with some discussions: two hours of practical training/break/two hours of theoretical training/two hours of practical training, so starting on time was essential.
We kicked off promptly at ten, and we had eight official participants. That may seem like a small number, but for our goal of absorbing as much korfball knowledge as possible over the weekend so that everyone can teach the basics themselves, it was actually perfect. Thanks to the intensive program I had set up with materials available from the IKF and KNKV, I could start from the absolute basics and build up step by step at a rapid pace. Because it was a small group, every useful question asked was important information that reached everyone.
This group of future coaches generally has a background in basketball, so they all tend to dribble, which is not allowed in korfball; they tend to swing the ball with two hands in all directions to prevent it from being knocked out, but that's wasted energy in korfball because the ball is 'safe' when you hold it; and when shooting or making the next pass, they first bring the ball down before bringing it back up for the shot, resulting in seconds lost per action. I'm right on top of it, and the drive from this group is evident, precisely because they want to further develop korfball. And you don't need to teach Americans how to play sports; so focusing on korfball-specific elements is very valuable, and the learning curve is steep.
Dave Warren comes in with his wife. Dave is a former korfball player and part of the 'legendary' Team USA that won the bronze medal at The World Games 1985. That same team was celebrated last year at The World Games 2022, cheered on by the American crowd. Dave is a great guy who has lots of experience under his belt, yet at first visibly hesitates about whether he should join in. Originally from Virginia, he ended up in Arizona at some point, where I visited him in 2015. Back then, after an hour of shooting at the korf, we went golfing. Nowadays, he's retired in Florida, but that's all beside the point. At one point, I decided to ask him about his experience, and Dave immediately sensed that his input was appreciated and welcome. Just enough, not too much talking or trying to steer: It's great when people sense what's needed and what's not.
The intensive day concluded with discussions, a review of the business plan, and a pleasant gathering at Topgolf Chattanooga, followed by dinner at Champy's (Fried chicken, but not from Kentucky).
Sunday was officially the try-outs for Team USA. Fortunately, everyone had the self-awareness that, firstly, we only have six players, and secondly, not everyone, in terms of age or fitness, will make a long-term contribution. Nonetheless, I designed a program focusing on technique training aimed at scoring, both with and without defenders, as well as tactics. And the latter is interesting. In an ideal scenario, Korfball USA would develop its own style or game as the sport evolves. At the same time, it's important to make these players aware of the space we have in a zone, how to position themselves offensively and defensively, what to look out for, and so I decided to establish a very basic pattern.
In the afternoon, we brainstormed in the AirB&B about goals, organization, and decision-making. My goal and that of my co-organizers was to set deadlines. During the process, we realized that the USKF itself should organize official tournaments because the USA is likely the country best able to financially support this. Furthermore, the USKF should consist of active people, and we want to organize a National Championship next year. Everyone has committed to these goals and will both train youth and recruit for Team USA.
After this week and weekend, my trip has already been a success! Team USA is thriving again; Korfball USA is thriving again... The result of eight years of building is slowly paying off! Now it's time for Birmingham and 'The Mystery of the Disappeared Equipment'... To be continued!
I told everyone that we would start promptly at ten o'clock on Saturday morning. We had about seven hours of continuous training scheduled, along with some discussions: two hours of practical training/break/two hours of theoretical training/two hours of practical training, so starting on time was essential.
We kicked off promptly at ten, and we had eight official participants. That may seem like a small number, but for our goal of absorbing as much korfball knowledge as possible over the weekend so that everyone can teach the basics themselves, it was actually perfect. Thanks to the intensive program I had set up with materials available from the IKF and KNKV, I could start from the absolute basics and build up step by step at a rapid pace. Because it was a small group, every useful question asked was important information that reached everyone.
This group of future coaches generally has a background in basketball, so they all tend to dribble, which is not allowed in korfball; they tend to swing the ball with two hands in all directions to prevent it from being knocked out, but that's wasted energy in korfball because the ball is 'safe' when you hold it; and when shooting or making the next pass, they first bring the ball down before bringing it back up for the shot, resulting in seconds lost per action. I'm right on top of it, and the drive from this group is evident, precisely because they want to further develop korfball. And you don't need to teach Americans how to play sports; so focusing on korfball-specific elements is very valuable, and the learning curve is steep.
Dave Warren comes in with his wife. Dave is a former korfball player and part of the 'legendary' Team USA that won the bronze medal at The World Games 1985. That same team was celebrated last year at The World Games 2022, cheered on by the American crowd. Dave is a great guy who has lots of experience under his belt, yet at first visibly hesitates about whether he should join in. Originally from Virginia, he ended up in Arizona at some point, where I visited him in 2015. Back then, after an hour of shooting at the korf, we went golfing. Nowadays, he's retired in Florida, but that's all beside the point. At one point, I decided to ask him about his experience, and Dave immediately sensed that his input was appreciated and welcome. Just enough, not too much talking or trying to steer: It's great when people sense what's needed and what's not.
The intensive day concluded with discussions, a review of the business plan, and a pleasant gathering at Topgolf Chattanooga, followed by dinner at Champy's (Fried chicken, but not from Kentucky).
Sunday was officially the try-outs for Team USA. Fortunately, everyone had the self-awareness that, firstly, we only have six players, and secondly, not everyone, in terms of age or fitness, will make a long-term contribution. Nonetheless, I designed a program focusing on technique training aimed at scoring, both with and without defenders, as well as tactics. And the latter is interesting. In an ideal scenario, Korfball USA would develop its own style or game as the sport evolves. At the same time, it's important to make these players aware of the space we have in a zone, how to position themselves offensively and defensively, what to look out for, and so I decided to establish a very basic pattern.
In the afternoon, we brainstormed in the AirB&B about goals, organization, and decision-making. My goal and that of my co-organizers was to set deadlines. During the process, we realized that the USKF itself should organize official tournaments because the USA is likely the country best able to financially support this. Furthermore, the USKF should consist of active people, and we want to organize a National Championship next year. Everyone has committed to these goals and will both train youth and recruit for Team USA.
After this week and weekend, my trip has already been a success! Team USA is thriving again; Korfball USA is thriving again... The result of eight years of building is slowly paying off! Now it's time for Birmingham and 'The Mystery of the Disappeared Equipment'... To be continued!
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM: PART 4
Cincinnati doesn't know what hit it even on my second day! Firstly, the temperatures are around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely unusual for November. It should have been typical Dutch miserable weather here… Secondly, two people are going around like crazy selling korfball in and around the city. In the morning, we first have a sales meeting with an interested party, which results in a clinic in the near future. Then we head to Oxford for a part of the course and a clinic at Miami University. This turns out to be another hidden gem in the American education system. Oxford is a small town left of the line between Cincinnati and Dayton (another larger city in Ohio). It's not located on a highway, so after thirty minutes of driving through smaller roads, I arrive at a very nice town with a truly beautiful university with modern (sports) facilities. Thirty thousand students are trying to obtain their Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees here. And this university is eager to introduce korfball. So, we spent part of the morning and part of the afternoon giving practical and theoretical courses to a number of PE teachers and administrators. It's fantastic to see how in America, opportunities are given to sports in general and korfball in particular!
At five o'clock, we're back in Cincinnati, where we give a three-quarter-hour clinic to an after-school care organization. Again, it's a fantastic experience to see how children of different ages inspire each other to play korfball as well as possible, with yours truly getting blocked by a talented 15-year-old basketball player in passing. I didn't expect him and didn't see him coming… 😊 Lovely, that drive and daring!
In the same gym in the evening, part 2 of the course, partly theoretical and partly practical. With 22 participants, we again gain fantastic experiences. When you work with other athletes and other cultures, you see a lot of new possibilities and undergo many new experiences. But above all, we don't need to teach Americans sports; we just need to introduce them to the basics of Korfball. To wrap up my time in Cincinnati, about ten pizzas were ordered and delivered, and everyone eagerly dug in. Time to go to bed early for my trip to Chattanooga...
I'm in the car at 7:45 AM and have decided to take a different route to Chattanooga than on the way there. This will take me an extra half hour, but I'll come across new places again. This part of Kentucky I'm driving through was clearly part of the Westward expansion. Many place names are a clear reference to the origin of the founders: London, Manchester, Glasgow, Warsaw, Verona, New Castle, to name a few. But even more striking is the number of places named after the founders themselves. Nashville (known for its music) and Louisville (known for Muhammad Ali) are the largest and perhaps most famous places in Kentucky, but I come across many more: Elisabethsville, Jonesville, Campbellburg, Franklinton, Ballardsville, Elizabethtown, and a few more... I always try to imagine myself as those people and how things must have been at that time. I'm speeding through the landscape at seventy miles per hour; they most likely had a horse and carriage or walked with all their belongings over the Appalachians in this direction...
Firstly, I arrive at our shared AirB&B. It's a bit of a rundown area, but the house itself is in good condition and even better furnished. Then, quickly looking for the Eastridge Community Center for Scenic City Korfball's regular training. Upon arrival, I immediately see my co-organizer Michelle and the president of the USKF Carl. It's nice to see them in person again. It soon turns out that another event is taking place in the Community Center, so we can't use it. Fortunately, the parking lot has good LED lighting, so we can play some tens there; something new that is very well received. We end up being eight people, including some new driving forces, so my instructions for a better shot and our collective stories are very welcome. Then we have dinner together and head back to the AirB&B to rest well for tomorrow. Lots of korfball on the agenda!
At five o'clock, we're back in Cincinnati, where we give a three-quarter-hour clinic to an after-school care organization. Again, it's a fantastic experience to see how children of different ages inspire each other to play korfball as well as possible, with yours truly getting blocked by a talented 15-year-old basketball player in passing. I didn't expect him and didn't see him coming… 😊 Lovely, that drive and daring!
In the same gym in the evening, part 2 of the course, partly theoretical and partly practical. With 22 participants, we again gain fantastic experiences. When you work with other athletes and other cultures, you see a lot of new possibilities and undergo many new experiences. But above all, we don't need to teach Americans sports; we just need to introduce them to the basics of Korfball. To wrap up my time in Cincinnati, about ten pizzas were ordered and delivered, and everyone eagerly dug in. Time to go to bed early for my trip to Chattanooga...
I'm in the car at 7:45 AM and have decided to take a different route to Chattanooga than on the way there. This will take me an extra half hour, but I'll come across new places again. This part of Kentucky I'm driving through was clearly part of the Westward expansion. Many place names are a clear reference to the origin of the founders: London, Manchester, Glasgow, Warsaw, Verona, New Castle, to name a few. But even more striking is the number of places named after the founders themselves. Nashville (known for its music) and Louisville (known for Muhammad Ali) are the largest and perhaps most famous places in Kentucky, but I come across many more: Elisabethsville, Jonesville, Campbellburg, Franklinton, Ballardsville, Elizabethtown, and a few more... I always try to imagine myself as those people and how things must have been at that time. I'm speeding through the landscape at seventy miles per hour; they most likely had a horse and carriage or walked with all their belongings over the Appalachians in this direction...
Firstly, I arrive at our shared AirB&B. It's a bit of a rundown area, but the house itself is in good condition and even better furnished. Then, quickly looking for the Eastridge Community Center for Scenic City Korfball's regular training. Upon arrival, I immediately see my co-organizer Michelle and the president of the USKF Carl. It's nice to see them in person again. It soon turns out that another event is taking place in the Community Center, so we can't use it. Fortunately, the parking lot has good LED lighting, so we can play some tens there; something new that is very well received. We end up being eight people, including some new driving forces, so my instructions for a better shot and our collective stories are very welcome. Then we have dinner together and head back to the AirB&B to rest well for tomorrow. Lots of korfball on the agenda!
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM: PART 3
Tuesday was scheduled to be the longest travel day: seven hours from Atlanta to Cincinnati. That's excluding stops, so at eight o'clock in the morning, I'm loading my stuff into the car. A crappy breakfast; well, not really breakfast because the only options available at my cheap hotel are Coffee/Tea, Orange Juice, and a Granola bar. So, with an extra cup of tea, I hop into the car to start the journey. Of course, after half an hour, the first stop is already needed for refueling, but after that, it's steady progress. I pass Chattanooga, where the big Korfball weekend will take place next weekend. Driving through Tennessee, I enter the Appalachians. I've heard of them, mainly in the famous song 'Country Roads, Take me Home' by John Denver (Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah), but now as I drive through them, I realize what a beautiful area it is. I come across Red Top Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Little Cumberland Mountain, and a few other notable names. Of course, there's also the Museum of Appalachia, because Americans have their cultural things too. Although the Appalachians extend from about Mississippi to far into Canada, the real work for me begins roughly after Knoxville, and I don't encounter many impressive places until well into Kentucky.
More or less by chance, I stop in Corbin to buy a new bottle of water at Walmart (101.4 ounces/3 liters). Just off the exit, I come across a sign for the 'Colonel Sanders Museum' with the image of that famous cartoon character from KFC! So, I decide to follow the signs and eventually end up there: "Where it all started!" The place where Colonel Sanders began and blended his 11 secret herbs into the flavor that KFC chicken has all over the world. Despite my intention to avoid (or minimize) fast food in the USA, I couldn't resist ordering the offer of eight chicken wings.
Anyway, there's still two and a half hours of driving left, and I'm pretty tired. So, quickly back on the road to arrive in 'Cincy' around six o'clock. A maze of highways, flyovers, highway exits left and right inevitably leads me to take a wrong turn, but eventually, I arrive at my hotel. Unfortunately, there are no eateries or shops in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. It's too dangerous to walk to the city center in the dark (one mile away), and the list of delivery companies is not very helpful. Luckily, I still have plenty of reserves of Colonel Sanders' chicken, so skipping dinner for one night won't hurt.
After a good night's sleep, today finally marks the start of korfball. Although the first appointment was canceled (and rescheduled for next week, when I'll already be gone), the clinic at the 'boys & girls club,' an after-school care location at a school, was great fun and successful. Around 30 children shoot at baskets in the gym and later play games. And it's a good thing I brought those four poles and some extra balls. Before and after, I have good conversations with Kyle, who is spearheading korfball here and steps into everything, coming out with agreements. Agreements with Cincinnati Public Schools, with universities, with authorities... He arranges it all. The funny thing is that he looks ahead just as much as I do and sees the possibilities and goes for them.
Tonight, I was invited to dinner with Kyle and his partner Josie at a Korean restaurant in another state, namely Kentucky. They find it quite amusing to tell because it seems so far away, 'another state,' but the restaurant was exactly 1.9 miles from my hotel. So, it's like me in my home town in the Netherlands visiting a restaurant in Elten in Germany; completely in another country, but only 12km away! On the way back, I had the bonus of a beautiful view of the illuminated skyline of Cincinnati. With those skyscrapers, it's always a spectacular sight.
I also notice that everyone, both here in Cincinnati and in Chattanooga and other parts of the USA where everyone comes from, is curious about what we are going to achieve and especially about the agreements and further development. There's a lot of communication about the smallest things that we've already sorted out, but it's good to keep communicating about them, and it turns out that everyone is involved. Tomorrow, another busy day with appointments and korfball here in Cincinnati, and then on Friday, heading towards Chattanooga.
More or less by chance, I stop in Corbin to buy a new bottle of water at Walmart (101.4 ounces/3 liters). Just off the exit, I come across a sign for the 'Colonel Sanders Museum' with the image of that famous cartoon character from KFC! So, I decide to follow the signs and eventually end up there: "Where it all started!" The place where Colonel Sanders began and blended his 11 secret herbs into the flavor that KFC chicken has all over the world. Despite my intention to avoid (or minimize) fast food in the USA, I couldn't resist ordering the offer of eight chicken wings.
Anyway, there's still two and a half hours of driving left, and I'm pretty tired. So, quickly back on the road to arrive in 'Cincy' around six o'clock. A maze of highways, flyovers, highway exits left and right inevitably leads me to take a wrong turn, but eventually, I arrive at my hotel. Unfortunately, there are no eateries or shops in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. It's too dangerous to walk to the city center in the dark (one mile away), and the list of delivery companies is not very helpful. Luckily, I still have plenty of reserves of Colonel Sanders' chicken, so skipping dinner for one night won't hurt.
After a good night's sleep, today finally marks the start of korfball. Although the first appointment was canceled (and rescheduled for next week, when I'll already be gone), the clinic at the 'boys & girls club,' an after-school care location at a school, was great fun and successful. Around 30 children shoot at baskets in the gym and later play games. And it's a good thing I brought those four poles and some extra balls. Before and after, I have good conversations with Kyle, who is spearheading korfball here and steps into everything, coming out with agreements. Agreements with Cincinnati Public Schools, with universities, with authorities... He arranges it all. The funny thing is that he looks ahead just as much as I do and sees the possibilities and goes for them.
Tonight, I was invited to dinner with Kyle and his partner Josie at a Korean restaurant in another state, namely Kentucky. They find it quite amusing to tell because it seems so far away, 'another state,' but the restaurant was exactly 1.9 miles from my hotel. So, it's like me in my home town in the Netherlands visiting a restaurant in Elten in Germany; completely in another country, but only 12km away! On the way back, I had the bonus of a beautiful view of the illuminated skyline of Cincinnati. With those skyscrapers, it's always a spectacular sight.
I also notice that everyone, both here in Cincinnati and in Chattanooga and other parts of the USA where everyone comes from, is curious about what we are going to achieve and especially about the agreements and further development. There's a lot of communication about the smallest things that we've already sorted out, but it's good to keep communicating about them, and it turns out that everyone is involved. Tomorrow, another busy day with appointments and korfball here in Cincinnati, and then on Friday, heading towards Chattanooga.
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM: PART 2
My first full day in the USA consists of a journey from Atlanta Airport, where I stayed overnight at a hotel, to Valdosta, a city in the southern part of the state of Georgia. In 2017, a lady named Dr. Anderson ordered four poles, pedestals, and baskets for a sports event at Valdosta State University (VSU), where she also demonstrated korfball. At that time, I offered to give a clinic, but it didn't fit into our schedules. Since then, she has left VSU, and nothing has been done with that equipment. Since I hardly have any equipment, especially in Cincinnati, which is completely in the other direction, I'll just "pop over" to Valdosta to get those items. A three-and-a-half-hour drive and then also trying to see some of the surroundings. Luckily, I managed to contact the person in charge of the equipment beforehand, so in the afternoon, I'll have the whole lot in my small Jeep.
The next day, I start with a journey further south. I've never been to Florida, and by driving south on historic Highway 41, I eventually arrive in Jasper, a small inconspicuous town where Radiator Springs (see the movie Cars 1) is a bustling city in comparison. Here, I can get onto Interstate-75 (the highway), so I quickly head back north. Since I've already driven three-quarters of an hour south and need to be north of Atlanta, I have about a five-hour drive ahead of me. Especially the first stretch to Valdosta is challenging because after an hour and a half of driving, I find myself back where I started... Then it's music on, cruise control set to 70mph, and my mind set to the horizon; Tifton, Cordele, Macon, McDonough, Atlanta Airport.
At Atlanta Airport, I exit the highway and continue north on Highway 41. Someone mentioned to me about the 'Mercedes-Benz Stadium,' the fantastic and futuristic football stadium of Atlanta United. By following Highway 41, I should naturally come across it. And sure enough: when I reach Downtown Atlanta, the stadium suddenly appears. I manage to park at the main entrance and ask inside for a stadium tour. Unfortunately, they're already over, but a very kind lady feels sorry that I've come all the way from the Netherlands without any luck. She spontaneously gives me a shirt as a gift and also a parking pass (valid until 31-12-2024!) for the parking garage on the other side of the stadium.
When I park there and take some more photos of the stadium and the Atlanta skyline, I realize that I'm walking on 'Centennial Olympic Park Drive,' and if I walk a bit further, I'll end up in the 'Centennial Olympic Park.' This is a beautiful park that commemorates the 1996 Olympics. Various monuments to all kinds of sports celebrities, Olympic athletes, and medal winners, but also dignitaries like the mayor of Atlanta and Pierre de Coubertin who made all of this possible. Furthermore, there's plenty of park space for recreation, sports, visiting the 'World of Coca Cola' Museum (yes, Coca Cola originally comes from Atlanta), the 'National Center for Civil and Human Rights,' and the Georgia Aquarium.
In my mind, I'm momentarily taken back to the last time I was here; in 2016 when we were giving clinics and a korfball course in Birmingham. During the first day, when there was nothing on the schedule to acclimatize and 'everyone' wanted to spend a day in Atlanta, I found myself in this same park with three former world champions (Jan-Sjouke, Mabel, and André) and two current world champions (Zita and Olav). You can perhaps imagine how these top athletes felt in this sports-breathing city. Just leisurely walking around, taking our time, observing, and immersing ourselves in the surroundings.
Aside from the fact that the city with its skyscrapers is impressive in itself, they also managed to refurbish the city so that it's really pleasant to be there, especially in the run-up to the Olympic Games. So, this afternoon's tip about the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into beautiful memories for me, a lovely stroll through the park, and ultimately, a drive through Downtown Atlanta in rush hour traffic. Luckily, it's only a half-hour drive to my hotel in Marietta on the way to Cincinnati. Tomorrow, I have a seven-hour journey ahead of me... ☹
The next day, I start with a journey further south. I've never been to Florida, and by driving south on historic Highway 41, I eventually arrive in Jasper, a small inconspicuous town where Radiator Springs (see the movie Cars 1) is a bustling city in comparison. Here, I can get onto Interstate-75 (the highway), so I quickly head back north. Since I've already driven three-quarters of an hour south and need to be north of Atlanta, I have about a five-hour drive ahead of me. Especially the first stretch to Valdosta is challenging because after an hour and a half of driving, I find myself back where I started... Then it's music on, cruise control set to 70mph, and my mind set to the horizon; Tifton, Cordele, Macon, McDonough, Atlanta Airport.
At Atlanta Airport, I exit the highway and continue north on Highway 41. Someone mentioned to me about the 'Mercedes-Benz Stadium,' the fantastic and futuristic football stadium of Atlanta United. By following Highway 41, I should naturally come across it. And sure enough: when I reach Downtown Atlanta, the stadium suddenly appears. I manage to park at the main entrance and ask inside for a stadium tour. Unfortunately, they're already over, but a very kind lady feels sorry that I've come all the way from the Netherlands without any luck. She spontaneously gives me a shirt as a gift and also a parking pass (valid until 31-12-2024!) for the parking garage on the other side of the stadium.
When I park there and take some more photos of the stadium and the Atlanta skyline, I realize that I'm walking on 'Centennial Olympic Park Drive,' and if I walk a bit further, I'll end up in the 'Centennial Olympic Park.' This is a beautiful park that commemorates the 1996 Olympics. Various monuments to all kinds of sports celebrities, Olympic athletes, and medal winners, but also dignitaries like the mayor of Atlanta and Pierre de Coubertin who made all of this possible. Furthermore, there's plenty of park space for recreation, sports, visiting the 'World of Coca Cola' Museum (yes, Coca Cola originally comes from Atlanta), the 'National Center for Civil and Human Rights,' and the Georgia Aquarium.
In my mind, I'm momentarily taken back to the last time I was here; in 2016 when we were giving clinics and a korfball course in Birmingham. During the first day, when there was nothing on the schedule to acclimatize and 'everyone' wanted to spend a day in Atlanta, I found myself in this same park with three former world champions (Jan-Sjouke, Mabel, and André) and two current world champions (Zita and Olav). You can perhaps imagine how these top athletes felt in this sports-breathing city. Just leisurely walking around, taking our time, observing, and immersing ourselves in the surroundings.
Aside from the fact that the city with its skyscrapers is impressive in itself, they also managed to refurbish the city so that it's really pleasant to be there, especially in the run-up to the Olympic Games. So, this afternoon's tip about the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into beautiful memories for me, a lovely stroll through the park, and ultimately, a drive through Downtown Atlanta in rush hour traffic. Luckily, it's only a half-hour drive to my hotel in Marietta on the way to Cincinnati. Tomorrow, I have a seven-hour journey ahead of me... ☹
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
Back to Birmingham: Part 1
Saturday morning, November 4th, at 03:30, the alarm clock goes off. Just to be sure, I also placed the phone alarm next to it, but it's not necessary. Today marks the beginning of the next expedition to the USA: developing korfball there and taking it a few steps further. Now you might be thinking, "Why are you doing this?" or "What are you getting yourself into?" The answer to that isn't easy to give. Korfball is a part of my life, and although that may apply to many who perhaps invest just as much time and energy as I do, I'm always focused on the future, further development, and especially the big picture.
Well, then you're quickly done in the Netherlands because the developments within korfball are determined by a few wise men within the KNKV, and what you do with it is up to you. At the top level, korfball looks fantastic, but when you come to the lower levels, the korfball quality isn't all that great. Don't get me wrong: I'm very proud of my own club, which is in a positive flow and occasionally has luck on their side. It's great to see them entering the first division and it's fun to watch, but in the larger environment around us, almost all clubs have been marginalized, merged, or simply disappeared, resulting in 0% competition.
"And Korfball USA then? Only 'a handful of people play korfball there. What are you doing there?" The answer to that is simpler: I've been involved in international korfball in many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America; I've had the opportunity to study and work on four continents, always able to adapt to the culture and the people and thus able to work together wonderfully. My conviction over all these years is that if we can get korfball up and running here in the USA, then the USA could be the only country capable of challenging the Netherlands in ten or fifteen years.
Since 2015, thanks in part to the KNKV and the IKF, I've been to the USA for korfball about thirteen times, giving clinics and courses, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with the 'big names' in the korfball world. After The World Games 2022 held in Birmingham (Alabama), the group of people here interested in developing korfball has expanded a bit. The seeds planted there need water to prevent another initiative from dying prematurely due to lack of follow-up. And as a dedicated korfball player, developer, optimist, and above all, someone who perseveres, I'm contributing to that.
As an IKF Coach Instructor, I'll be conducting a Level 1 course in Cincinnati (Ohio) and Chattanooga (Tennessee). As Development Manager for Northern America (if anyone has a better name, I'm all ears), I'll assist with business plans, conversations with universities, equipment, and so on. In Tennessee, the Chattanooga Korfball Weekend will also take place. People are flying in from all over the country, from Los Angeles to New York and from Minneapolis to Miami. Will it be very busy? No, I don't expect that. However, these people are coming together because they're genuinely getting involved in developing korfball, and we'll be taking the first steps towards a stable Team USA in the near future.
My trip will end in about a week and a half where it all revolved around until last year, Birmingham. Since I first arrived from Memphis (Tennessee) in 2015 and saw the city in a certain light, this city has given me a warm feeling, and it's nice to come back here. The Fish Market, Railroad Park, El Barrios, The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Vulcan, The Red Cat... Love it all! I'll meet some friends here, but mainly, I'll be talking with the UAB (University of Alabama in Birmingham) to get korfball on the agenda and with the Birmingham School System about progress in korfball lesson plans.
I'll keep you updated on progress in the coming days...
Well, then you're quickly done in the Netherlands because the developments within korfball are determined by a few wise men within the KNKV, and what you do with it is up to you. At the top level, korfball looks fantastic, but when you come to the lower levels, the korfball quality isn't all that great. Don't get me wrong: I'm very proud of my own club, which is in a positive flow and occasionally has luck on their side. It's great to see them entering the first division and it's fun to watch, but in the larger environment around us, almost all clubs have been marginalized, merged, or simply disappeared, resulting in 0% competition.
"And Korfball USA then? Only 'a handful of people play korfball there. What are you doing there?" The answer to that is simpler: I've been involved in international korfball in many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America; I've had the opportunity to study and work on four continents, always able to adapt to the culture and the people and thus able to work together wonderfully. My conviction over all these years is that if we can get korfball up and running here in the USA, then the USA could be the only country capable of challenging the Netherlands in ten or fifteen years.
Since 2015, thanks in part to the KNKV and the IKF, I've been to the USA for korfball about thirteen times, giving clinics and courses, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with the 'big names' in the korfball world. After The World Games 2022 held in Birmingham (Alabama), the group of people here interested in developing korfball has expanded a bit. The seeds planted there need water to prevent another initiative from dying prematurely due to lack of follow-up. And as a dedicated korfball player, developer, optimist, and above all, someone who perseveres, I'm contributing to that.
As an IKF Coach Instructor, I'll be conducting a Level 1 course in Cincinnati (Ohio) and Chattanooga (Tennessee). As Development Manager for Northern America (if anyone has a better name, I'm all ears), I'll assist with business plans, conversations with universities, equipment, and so on. In Tennessee, the Chattanooga Korfball Weekend will also take place. People are flying in from all over the country, from Los Angeles to New York and from Minneapolis to Miami. Will it be very busy? No, I don't expect that. However, these people are coming together because they're genuinely getting involved in developing korfball, and we'll be taking the first steps towards a stable Team USA in the near future.
My trip will end in about a week and a half where it all revolved around until last year, Birmingham. Since I first arrived from Memphis (Tennessee) in 2015 and saw the city in a certain light, this city has given me a warm feeling, and it's nice to come back here. The Fish Market, Railroad Park, El Barrios, The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Vulcan, The Red Cat... Love it all! I'll meet some friends here, but mainly, I'll be talking with the UAB (University of Alabama in Birmingham) to get korfball on the agenda and with the Birmingham School System about progress in korfball lesson plans.
I'll keep you updated on progress in the coming days...
Best, as always...
Coach Dankmar
Coach Dankmar
Check back soon for more current content!
Korfball Demonstration in Statesville, NC with Japanese player, Alex Wilkerson
USKF board member Carl Yerger and Japanese national team member Alex Wilkerson met in Statesville, North Carolina to conduct a korfball training and demonstration session at a local park. It was exciting to learn about the new developments in Japanese korfball, including the establishment of five new local teams and international tournament participation. Thanks for a great visit, Alex!
Korfball Experience at Davidson College
Students from Davidson College participated in an "Experience Korfball" event as a dorm activity this fall. Around 20 students attended, all of which have never played korfball before. Special thanks goes to Megan Mavity and Dan Whitney for their help in organizing the afternoon of korfball. This was also the first time we were able to test the new pole system developed by Rebecca Shields. Set-up and take-down was a breeze and the poles held up when a few players ran close to them. Thanks to all who attended. We hope to plan a similar session in the spring, possibly in the form of an afternoon tournament.
Carl Yerger visits korfball group in Tokyo, Japan
On a recent visit to Japan, board member Carl Yerger visited the Tokyo korfball group. While there he participated in a training session and learned about Japanese korfball. Thanks Tobi (Yoshimitsu Tobisa) from the JKF for helping to coordinate this visit. Hopefully you can come and visit us in the USA in the future!
Second International Tournament at Hamilton College - covered by National Public Radio
Board member Louis Boguchwal hosted the second International Korfball Tournament at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. on April 9, 2011. The entire USKF gathered, among other notable korfers such as British coaches Steve Barker and Martin Jones. The weekend matches and workshops. Budding Hamilton players learned from the knowledgeable coaches and USKF. The event was covered by National Public Radio's "Only a Game." The show aired on April 23, 2011. The podcast of the show can be found at http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2011/04/23/korfball. The USKF would like to thank reporter Doug Tribou for the wonderful piece he put together!
FamilKorf Weekend - Family Weekend Korfball Workshops at Hamilton!
USKF Board member Carl Yerger flew in to Hamilton college over Halloween Weekend, October 30-31. This was family weekend at Hamilton and for one weekend only - HamilKorf became FamilKorf! Students and their families were introduced to korfball. That's right, students, siblings, and parents tried the korf! This will be covered in the 2012 Bicentennial issue of the Hamilton Alumni Magazine.
The Korf Ball - Late Nite at Hamilton College, September 3!
Korfers and korfettes at Hamilton College partook in the Korf Ball! 'Twas a night of high society dining and merriment. Players received complimentary monocles for playing, and had the opportunity to win other formal prizes: a parasol, tiara, opera glasses, formal gloves, pocket watch, formal cane, and pipe.
That night we saw 60 people korf it up over the course of the 4 hour athletic gala. There was never a moment with fewer than 35 people! It was hall of booming banter with korfball going on in one half of the room and dancing with dj and lights in the other half. It was the first Late Nite event of the year at Hamilton and the excitement is high for korfball. HamilKorf looks forward to reinvigorating AmeriKorf!
That night we saw 60 people korf it up over the course of the 4 hour athletic gala. There was never a moment with fewer than 35 people! It was hall of booming banter with korfball going on in one half of the room and dancing with dj and lights in the other half. It was the first Late Nite event of the year at Hamilton and the excitement is high for korfball. HamilKorf looks forward to reinvigorating AmeriKorf!
Carl Yerger visits Holland and Ronald Buis
Board member Carl Yerger visited former Team USA coach, Korfbal League referee and supporter of US Korfball, Ronald Buis in August. While there, they discussed ways to reinvigorate US Korfball as well as plans for a team to visit Holland in Summer 2011.