Nice is preparing to host the 15th International Men’s Torball Tournament, with teams from across Europe set to compete in a showcase of inclusive sport.
Set for Saturday 26th April at the Complexe Sportif Albert Malatesta, the tournament is organised by the handisport association ANICES and will see eight teams take to the court for a full day of international competition.
The annual tournament has become a fixture in the inclusive sports calendar. For ANICES, which now hosts multiple Torball competitions throughout the year, including a French championship, this particular event remains symbolic—it was the first the club ever organised. The association, which has expanded its reach and activities over the years, says the event reflects its continued commitment to promoting inclusivity through sport.
Torball is a fast-paced team sport played by visually impaired athletes, where players aim to throw a ball with bells inside into the opposing team’s goal while defending their own using only sound and touch
Last year’s edition coincided with the Olympic and Paralympic year and featured the official mascots of the Paris 2024 Games. This time, the focus will be on marking the 15-year milestone with a solid sporting programme.
The competition will feature teams from France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. The Italian team from Augusta, winners of the last two editions, will return to defend their title. They will face fellow Italian side Bergamo, Belgium’s Waasland, and two Swiss teams: Heidiland and Glarus. France will be represented by Lisieux and two teams from Nice.
Nice 1 will be composed of Sébastien Filippini, Mikael Maunier, Cédric Bouchet, Gilles Brand, and Yacine Ait-Seguer Prussia, coached by François Dumont. Nice 2 will include François Dumont, Mirlind Sadiku, Bernard Berger, Philippe Fellenz, and Souleymane Jedani, with coaching from Christelle Gilles.
In the 2024 edition, Nice 1 finished second, also earning the tournament’s best attack and best defence distinctions. Around 150 spectators were present.
This year’s tournament runs from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Entry is free, and the organisers encourage local support for the home teams.
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Photo source: Anices Handisport, Facebook