Last Thursday was a day filled with enthusiasm and sportsmanship as the Fyllingen Lions gathered to support the Gneist TH team.The visit created an incredible atmosphere, and it was especially inspiring for the handball players to have elite basketball players cheering them on. As a wonderful conclusion to the training session, the Lions handed out tickets to their next game, which was highly appreciated. Several of the handball players, along with their coach Charlene, attended the Asker Aliens game on Saturday as supporters. For many, it was a special moment to take pictures with the Lions afterward.

This commitment to inclusion and the joy of sports is a core value of Gneist Handball, where voluntary work is the foundation. Two dedicated individuals in the club are Lisbeth Sandtorv and Charlene Johnson, both of whom have devoted countless hours to creating a positive sports environment for children and youth in their community.

Handball for Everyone

Gneist Handball is a community-based club with around 750 members, primarily children and youth under the age of 20. The club has a strong focus on social sustainability and works to create an inclusive and safe sports environment. One of the most important initiatives is the training group for adapted handball (TH team), which provides opportunities for players with disabilities to participate in the sport. The Gneist TH team is a handball group tailored for players with various disabilities, emphasizing mastery, joy, and community. The team actively participates in NHF’s Hjerteliga, a league for adapted handball.

Charlene Johnson – A Driving Force for Inclusion

Charlene Johnson has been coaching the TH team for the past few years and has shown extraordinary dedication to her athletes. With a strong focus on positive development and achievement, she creates an environment where everyone feels included. Her patience, commitment, and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable asset to the team. She is passionate about providing her players with meaningful experiences and ensuring that every training session is filled with joy and learning. Over the past year, the team has grown, and there is still room for more players who want to try handball. Charlene is a role model for both players and fellow coaches, and her efforts help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

Lisbeth Santorv’s Efforts

Lisbeth Sandtorv is one of the key figures in Gneist Handball. With 20 years of experience as a volunteer, she has served as a coach, chairperson, and mentor for countless children and young athletes. With a background as a social worker, physician, and researcher in child and adolescent mental health, she has a deep understanding of the importance of sports in child development and well-being.

Her efforts go far beyond the sport itself—she has been a strong advocate for ensuring that all children, regardless of their skills or circumstances, have the opportunity to participate in sports. Additionally, she has completed NHF’s coaching education and instructor training, giving her a solid foundation to develop players at all levels.

A Club Built on Community

The meeting between the Fyllingen Lions and the Gneist TH team demonstrated how sports can bring people together and create a community. The dedication of Lisbeth, Charlene, and all the volunteers at Gneist serves as a reminder of how important such initiatives are in creating an inclusive and meaningful recreational space for everyone. Gneist Handball welcomes anyone who wishes to try handball, whether in regular teams or the TH team, to become part of the club.

The Fyllingen Lions will continue to cheer the Gneist TH team on!