Waterford to sponsor world handball event

By Eamonn Kelly

CHICAGO — Waterford Crystal has signed to be the title sponsor for the 2000 World Handball Championships set for Oct. 8-15 at the Lattof YMCA in Des Plaines.

Nick Flynn of Waterford, who recently flew from Dublin for the official announcement at the host hotel, the Arlington Hilton, said his company was "proud and honored" to sign on as sponsor. Flynn cited "the good will that emanates from the World Championships and the sheer enthusiasm and vigor generated by a truly international competition."

Flynn also is in charge of the Waterford descending globe on New Year’s Eve in Times Square to mark the beginning of the year 2000. The World Championships will be his other area of responsibility.

"This is my first visit to Illinois," Flynn said, "but I hope it won’t be my last."

Also present for the announcement was Illinois Rep. Suzie Bassi, who said she was "so excited about the prospects for this tournament. Tourism accounts for one of every 10 jobs in Illinois, so the international element of the World Championships is key. This should open many doors to the future, and I’m looking forward to October 2000."

USHA President Bob Hickman said he was "absolutely thrilled to have Waterford as the sponsor." Hickman, who flew in from Denver, also said he was "delighted to have Chicago hosting this event. The energy and enthusiasm of the organizing group will carry you through."

Tournament chairman Don Judy of Des Plaines said landing the Waterford sponsorship "gives a lift to our efforts. It has been our intention to make this the largest tournament of all time. We are aiming to go over and above the level of any tournament before."

Judy said he already had received indications of interest from players in Ireland, Australia, Spain, Canada, Mexico and Japan. He predicted that up to 300 players would travel from Ireland, which would be fitting "since Chicago has the second-largest Irish population in the United States. We plan to make this a world-class event."

Judy also said the tournament now has a Web site: www.handball2000.org.