THREE West African countries, Ghana, Benin Republic and Togo are expected to add colour to this year’s Calypso International Beach Handball Championship organised by Handball Federation of Nigeria [HFN] billed for August14 to 17 at the Lekki Beach, Lagos.

The Beach Handball which is making its second edition in the country is bankrolled by the Nigerian Distilleries, makers of the Calypso Coconut liquor to afford the country’s handball teams opportunity to have an experience of the other side of the game outside the hard court.

According to the President of the HFN, Dr Lanre Glover, the invitation of the three west African countries to the championship would help to impart a good knowledge of the game to the Nigerian teams which are still learning the game.

He said the prize money for this year’s edition has been increased to N100,000 while the first 25 teams to register for the game would enjoy an accommodation subsidy.

"This year’s edition will be unique as there are going to be new innovations to the last edition. There will be a standing band on Saturday and Sunday in a carnival atmosphere for both spectators and players to enjoy," he said.

Imo Grasshoppers, the female defending champions and the male defending champions, Unity Boys of Abuja are expected to put up a brave ‘fight’ this year.

Dr Glover was hopeful that this year’s edition would attract a fuller participation than the previous edition which had teams from the Armed Forces, the Police and clubs owned by some individuals, adding that no fewer than 20 teams from across the nation are expected to be part of this year’s beach party.