Handball Specials Vorarlberg

In autumn 2009, Ferdi Armellini happened to see a TV report about Unified Handball in Karlsruhe. Mentally disabled athletes practised the sport of handball together with Unified partners. He spontaneously contacted the club in southern Germany. And in mid-January 2010, the time had come: for the first time, a Vorarlberg team competed against the Turnados from Karlsruhe. The mentally handicapped team played a preliminary match in the Olympic Hall in Innsbruck as part of the EURO 2010.

In the same month, the Handball Specials section was founded in the Turnerschaft Dornbirn. The Handball Specials TS Dornbirn subsequently became a member of the Vorarlberg Handball Association and the Vorarlberg Disabled Sports Association.

Numerous promotional games were played at home and abroad in the following years. Prominent Unified partners supported our mentally disabled handball players. We are also an extraordinary member of the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) and the Austrian Handicapped Sports Association (ÖBSV) and their regional associations

Since 12.12.2014 we are an independent association

Handball is our sport

We practice handball as one of the most fascinating sports in fair competition. For people with mental disabilities, the "Handball Specials" offer regular training and subsequently competition opportunities. We promote both competitive and amateur sports. Teams with different performance potential are introduced to the sport of handball.

Handball is integration in action

We play unified handball, which means that two field players (unified partners) without disabilities are allowed on the field for each team. The aim is to make it easier for people with mental disabilities to integrate into society by playing handball together. The quality of life of the disabled is to be improved through social recognition. Sport is the best form of therapy. Great importance is attached to social commitment, as well as the care and promotion of the community. The focus is on what we have in common.

Handballers are open

There are no age limits for Unified Handball teams. Likewise, mixed teams (men and women) are played. In addition to the mentally handicapped, Unified partners (non-handicapped) are used. Mutual tolerance and helpfulness is our main goal. As a consequence, the "Handball Specials" are basically open for cooperation with people with different disabilities. The support of social projects is a matter of concern for the "Handball Specials".

Handball with two strong partners

The "Handball Specials" are an integrative handball section of the Turnerschaft Dornbirn and non-profit. We are partners of the Specials Friends Vorarlberg and the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB). Together we create the necessary structures to position Unified Handball nationwide. Our vision is a regulated tournament-style game with teams from all over Austria.

Handballers cultivate friendships

The "Handball Specials" establish contacts with domestic and foreign unified handball teams. Mutual visits and matches promote friendship. Preliminary games at international matches or encounters at the highest level (top national divisions in front of an appropriate audience) are organised. Top players are to be recruited as sponsors for the "Handball Specials" (e.g. for joint training).

Handballers are role models

Unified handball players are exemplary and honest sportsmen. Doping, drugs, alcohol and nicotine are not compatible with our ideals. Active players and officials are subject to the rules of competition. These are accepted without reservation.

Handball players bear responsibility

All activities of the "Handball Specials" are based on economic criteria. We are aware of our economic responsibility. We offer sponsors and patrons an attractive partnership. Long-term cooperation with the business community, the public sector, sponsors and the media is strived for.