The first Lurkó (“Elf”) Santa Claus Cup took place in a cheerful atmosphere, with a musical and singing programme, also including a surprise for the nearly 350 school pupils in attendance.

Students and teachers from the ten schools participating in the NEKA Lurkó (“Elf”) Programme were represented on the sports day, and children and adults alike found their own fun at the games. Traditionally, the event started with a joint warm-up, but it continued in an unusual way, as even Santa Claus personally paid a visit Balatonboglár, into the Sports Hall of the National Academy of Handball. The sincerely surprised children greeted the guest with singing handball-themed lyrics rewritten by Zsolt Varga specially for the occasion. The NEKA Lurkó Programme has been reshaped for this school year, as teams previously enrolled in lower grade school leagues are no longer included in the system.

 

“We thought we would not put a burden on the schools with playing in a championship scheme, but rather organize cup tournaments on holidays here at the National Academy of Handball. Everyone welcomed the idea, as the youngest ones played throwing games, the U9 and U10 age groups had sponge handball games, while the bigger ones played normal handball on big courts with real leather balls here. Feedback shows that we could offer a good opportunity for everyone to practice by hosting this programme” – said Lurkó mentor Henriett Bárány Sikler, a sports events organizer of NEKA about her experience.

The children have indeed returned home satisfied and tired, but cheerfully. And hopefully they will return soon in similar spirits. The next Elf gathering will be held during carnival season, in February 2020.