By Thomas Berndt
Those who late Friday morning found their way to Farum Arena's court 3 became witness to a rather unusual event. Two Danish fifth grades and the Spanish Euro 2002 team had arranged to meet by a pillar with posters about Spain, and it was not immediately clear to see who was having the most fun, the players or the children.
The reason for this event was DHF's project 'The school in the world - the world in the school.' Fifteen fifth grades from schools in Aarhus, Farum and Helsinge have simply adopted one of the participating countries. In practice this has meant that the pupils have researched their "adoptive countries" during the weeks before the Euro 2002. The result of their efforts is to be found on posters placed on pillars.
Moreover the pupils have tried their hands at the virtues of handball in a tournament during the past week. In Farum grade 5B from Stenvadsskolen won the tournament.
And just Stenvadsskolen played a central part when Farum Arena's court 3 was the scene for more than just handball. Here the pupils from 5A and 5B were meeting their adoptive team, Spain, who was practicing before the evening's game against Norway.
After practice it was time for signing autographs. The two classes stormed onto the court armed with paper and pens while the Spanish players and officials chuckled, apparently a little self-conscious at the attention. The players wrote autographs for dear life, and even a t-shirt was put into use.
Afterwards the finish result from the classes, the pillars with posters, was dragged onto the court along with the Spanish flag, and the Spanish players and officials immediately gathered around the pillars. Although they have hardly been able to understand much of it, the posters were studied with a lot of pointing fingers and mild, Spanish laughter.
Then it was time for photos. In the back players and pupils stood arm in arm, and a few players and pupils also sat on the floor in front of them. Especially the Spanish physiotherapist, Pedro Mora Artal, was having fun.
'Photo, photo, photo,' he laughed loudly before the click of the camera was heard.
That was the end of the session. The kids have probably had quite an adventure, and during tomorrow's match against Russia the Spanish players can expect particular support. The pupils are to be watching that match and they will be bringing both Spanish flags and encouraging banners.