From Chile to Gothenburg

They have crossed the Atlantic to participate in Partille World Cup.

For Partille World Cup this year, teams from 38 different nations have arrived. The ones who have travelled the furthest are Club Italiano de BM in the B15-category, having journeyed all the way from Chile.

Each year, teams from around the world come to Gothenburg to participate in Partille World Cup, the world's largest youth handball tournament. Since 1970, teams from a total of 97 different nations have competed. The first time a team from Chile participated was in 2011, and this is now the eleventh time a team from Club Italiano is taking part.

The club's history in Partille World Cup began with Felipe Barrientos, who was then a goalkeeper for the Chilean national team. He visited Sweden to participate in the Handball World Championship, where he discovered the tournament and begun working to bring Club Italiano to Gothenburg.

Travelling to the other side of the world can be a major adjustment for many. One who speaks positively about the experience is Filipe Oliveras:
– The biggest difference coming here is the much higher level compared to back home in Chile. I think that’s why we came here, so we can become better.

He continues to talk about his experience of Gothenburg:
– The biggest difference with the city is that everything is where it needs to be. It’s a great city to be in. It’s a very nice city, even though Chile also is.