The 13th Ordinary Congress of the European Handball Federation (EHF) was held November 16-18, 2016 in St. Wolfgang, Austria.

Almost 90 representatives of the national federations and several guests, among them also the representatives of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), President Mr Adam Roczek and Secretary General Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, were present in the congress hall in Scalaria.



The Congress was opened by the outgoing EHF President, Mr Jean Brihault, who said that the event was an opportunity to reflect on the past but also to look to the future with a new team to be elected. He thanked all those involved in the sport during his term in office for their dedicated hard work and friendship.



The floor was after given to EHF partners for their opening words to Congress. EUSA President Mr Roczek addressed the delegates, stressing the excellent cooperation between both organisations and congratulating EHF for its 25th Anniversary by presenting a special gift.



EUSA representatives also remembered the great personal support given to the EHF and EUSA collaboration by EHF President, Mr Jean Brihault, EHF Secretary General Mr Michael Wiederer and EHF Honorary Member and long year EUSA Technical Delegate for Handball Mr Frantisek Taborsky and thanked them on behalf of EUSA.



The morning session concluded with extensive reports by EHF President and EHF Secretary General, as well as from other Commission Chairs, among them also Mr Leopold Kalin, Chairman of the Competitions Commission and EUSA Assistant Technical Delegate for the period 2016-2020. The afternoon session dealt with the elections to the EHF's internal bodies.



Mr Michael Wiederer was elected the 4th President of the European Handball Federation. Mr Wiederer, who has been the EHF Secretary General since 1992, was confirmed by acclamation. "I feel that this trust even more obliges me to do my best - together with the Executive Committee and the Commissions - to continue to drive our sport in a successful direction." Former EHF President Mr Brihault was named Honorary President for his outstanding contributions.



EUSA Technical Delegate for Handball, Mrs Carmen Manchado (ESP) was elected Chair of the Women’s Competitions.

The Congress concluded with Gala to celebrate the 25th EHF Anniversary. The next Congress will take place in Edinburgh in 2018. More information: www.eurohandball.com.

[Photos by: Hocevar U, EHF]