Celebrating Leon Chick and Rory Chester’s Handball Journey
From the German Classroom to the National Stage

In a remarkable story of growth, determination, and opportunity, Leon Chick from Mana College in Porirua and Rory Chester from Wellington College in Wellington have achieved a milestone many athletes only dream of—they’ve been selected to represent New Zealand at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Oceania Challenge Trophy tournament in Tahiti this December.
What makes their journey even more inspiring is where it all began: in their Year 10 German classrooms.
 

The Start of Something Special

In 2022, both Leon and Rory were introduced to Handball through Das Kiwi Handball Projekt, an initiative by the Goethe-Institut New Zealand. The project uses Handball as a tool to make learning German more engaging for high school students. Co-founder Frank Stoltenberg visited their classes, and for Leon and Rory, it was love at first throw.
For Leon, this passion was evident from the start. As Frank recalls, “The first time I visited Mana College, Leon was literally waiting for me outside the school office to help set up. He was so keen.” Rory’s story was similar—after trying handball in class at Wellington College, he joined trainings and quickly grew into a towering force on the court.

The Road to Success

From those initial classroom games, both boys dove headfirst into the sport. They began training with the Victoria University Handball Club, where Leon had the courage to join a team of predominantly adult players at just 14 years old. Rory, with his towering 2-meter frame, quickly made an impression as a promising young talent.
The boys also participated in Wellington Handball Federation youth training sessions, tournaments, and camps. Their dedication paid off as they were invited to join the New Zealand Handball Federation Youth National Team squad, attending intensive training camps in Christchurch.
Leon’s commitment stood out, earning him the Victoria University Handball Club's Most Improved Player 2024 award. Rory, with his commanding presence and natural ability, became a key player in his own right.

A Dream Come True

Now, both Leon and Rory will represent New Zealand at the IHF Oceania Challenge Trophy in Tahiti from December 16 to 20, 2024. This prestigious tournament pits developing handball nations against each other, offering invaluable international experience. The trip is fully funded, giving the boys a week-long opportunity to compete at the highest level while proudly donning the black jersey.

A Story Worth Celebrating

Leon and Rory’s achievements are a testament to how sports can open doors to incredible opportunities. From learning a new language to excelling on the international stage, their journey shows the power of passion and perseverance.
As Frank reflects, “It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come from their first handball lesson in German class. Their journey is one of dedication and courage, and it’s an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when opportunities meet enthusiasm.”
Let’s cheer on these two young athletes as they represent New Zealand in Tahiti! Their story is proof that sometimes, the smallest beginnings can lead to the biggest achievements.

Stay Tuned

Keep an eye on the social media channel @nzyouthhandball for updates on Leon and Rory’s progress in the tournament, and join us in celebrating their success.