A FORMER St Olave’s pupil has been selected to represent England in the world handball championships in Oregon later this year.

Anita Ganguly, 23, from Bromley, will travel to America in October to represent her country but is on the lookout for sponsors ahead of the event.

She explained: “As handball is a newly established sport in the UK, we do not yet have recognition from Sport England and the IOC, although our applications are being considered.

“Therefore, we do not receive any sponsorship from these organisations and England handballers have to finance all our training, travel and tournament fees ourselves.

“Handball is an excellent sport for overall cardiovascular health and co-ordination.

“It also requires minimal infrastructure and equipment. It is an ideal sport to teach to children and all of the England team are involved in community projects to bring handball to schools around London.”

The estimated cost of taking part in the world championships are £1,200 per player and the England team are aiming to raise the majority of this through sponsorship.

In return they can offer sponsors a logo on the team kit for the televised and involve you in promotional activities.

England’s aim is to finish in the top five and although this would boost their chances of gaining corporate sponsorship for the next championships, their number one priority is to raise the funds needed to attend October’s one first.

Ganguly added: “Any help or support to get England to the world handball championships would be greatly appreciated.”

For more information on the sport, or to find out how to sponsor the team, visit englandhandball.co.uk or email AnitaHandball@live.com