A Historic Bronze: Prime Minister Praises U21 Handball Team and Faroese Unity

Speech by Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen at the reception for the men’s U21 Faroese national handball team:

Dear all,

“The greatest moment in Faroese handball history. Perhaps even in the history of Faroese team sports.”

You might think those words were meant for today.

And they could very well have been.

But in fact, I said them back in 2017, when I, as Prime Minister, addressed the then U21 national handball team.

At the time, the achievement was qualifying for the World Championship.

Now – eight years later – we are not just part of the World Championship. We are the third-best team in the world.

This is historic. This is extraordinary!

Dear all,

Handball is about community. And it’s never too late to become part of a community.

This is evident every time tickets to a national match sell out.

Every time a young girl or boy throws their very first handball.

And every time we hear proud athletes sing the national anthem and represent their country.

There are undoubtedly many people who now follow handball who, until recently, had never watched a full match.

Yes – and some may still not know all the rules, but they follow along nonetheless!

It’s the sense of belonging that draws us in. The powerful feeling of standing together.

All as one!

Dear friends,

Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

Just imagine:

Fifty years ago, handball wasn’t played indoors – it was played outdoors.

We’ve come a long way since then – to now being undefeated at our impressive home court, Við Tjarnir.

Your achievements in Poland will leave a lasting impact on generations to come.

They will spark inspiration that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

With great results, perseverance, and passion, comes greater interest.

You are leading the way today – and in time, others will stand on your shoulders.

Faroese handball has reached the international stage.

We’ve gone from wondering whether we should have a national team – to feeling immense pride in the teams that represent us.

Dear players,

Time and again, we hear about the unique camaraderie in your group.

I imagine it’s with mixed emotions that this particular team has just played its final minutes together. But what a way to finish – with a resounding success!

These past weeks have been full of defining moments. But two stand out in my mind, both demonstrating the spirit of unity and selflessness.

One was when your captain, Ísak Vedelsbøl, showed true leadership after missing a penalty and said:

“I’m glad it was me – and not someone else.”

After the bronze medal match, Høgni Højsted echoed this sentiment, saying he was glad he had received the red card – and not Ísak.

When individual moments go against you, you still think of the bigger picture.

Of the team.

Of the group.

These are strong and admirable values that speak to our hearts – and they offer lessons for us as a society.

As I close, I want to thank all of you volunteers who have given your time to support players and clubs and help lift Faroese handball to where it is today.

Thank you for your selflessness.

For the time and effort you give to the sport.

And for your tireless commitment.

The players and coaches have played a key role in this remarkable result.

But I know the entire national team – and most Faroese people – have deep respect for the dedicated volunteers in the National Handball Federation (HSF) and in clubs across the country.

You are helping shape a bright future for Faroese handball – and together with you, we look forward to many more unforgettable moments.

Thank you and congratulations!

Photos: Ólavur Frederiksen