Local Handball Champions Aim to Grow the Sport with Youth Programme
A pair of North Olympic Peninsula handball players are leveraging recent tournament successes to establish a youth handball program in the Port Angeles area, aiming to introduce a new athletic chance to local children.
port angeles resident Michael Ewing and his teammate, Chris Cardinal of Chimacum, secured the doubles championship at the 41st Washington Athletic Club Handball Classic, held January 16-18 in Seattle. This year’s tournament held particular significance, partnering with the Race 4 Eight (R48) Pro Handball Circuit and serving as an official pre-qualifier for the professional tour.Ewing’s performance didn’t stop there; he also reached the finals in singles play, finishing second and narrowly missing a chance to compete in the next professional event.
The duo’s winning streak continued in November, when Ewing and Cardinal triumphed in the doubles division of the 58th annual Lilac Handball Tournament in Spokane, overcoming a competitive field. Ewing also achieved a runner-up position in the Open Singles division at the same tournament.
Ewing and Cardinal hone their skills with regular weekly training sessions in Sequim. They are occasionally joined by Sean Lenning, a highly-ranked R48 professional handball player and a longtime friend of Ewing.
Driven by a desire to give back to their community, ewing and fellow handball enthusiast Carl Rice are collaborating to launch a youth program at the Port Angeles YMCA. The initiative seeks to introduce young athletes to the sport of handball, promote physical fitness, and expand athletic opportunities for children in the region.
“handball has opened doors and built lifelong friendships,” Ewing stated. “We’d love to see kids here in Port Angeles get the same chance.”
Individuals interested in learning more about the program or participating can contact Ewing directly at 206-678-7942.
