The great volleyball player Isabelle `Bella` Haak has received an exceptional tribute in her native Swedish city of Ängelholm. On Sunday, September 7, a magnificent mural dedicated to her athletic achievements was officially unveiled. This monumental work of art now graces a central part of the city, located next to the city park and the lively Storgatan street.
The artist behind the mural is the internationally renowned street artist Zabou, who began her work last Wednesday and completed it just in time for the solemn public unveiling ceremony. “I genuinely love this portrait of Isabelle. She radiates confidence and looks forward, perhaps to the future. It was a beautiful feeling I wanted to convey,” Zabou was quoted by the regional publication Helsingborgs Dagblad.
Isabelle Haak, currently in Italy preparing for the new season with the reigning champions Imoco Volley Conegliano, joined the celebration via video link, expressing profound gratitude for such a significant honor. The Swedish Volleyball Federation was represented at the ceremony by board member Rolf Bernro.
A Hometown`s Heartfelt Tribute
The initiative for the mural came from the Ängelholm Municipality, which sought to provide lasting recognition for its globally renowned athlete. The municipality clearly articulated its vision:
This mural serves not only as a public homage to Isabelle Haak and a way of showcasing art in public space. Far more importantly, it embodies the spirit of daring to dream big, working diligently, and maintaining humility, despite an impressive spike reach of over 3.20 meters – it is a powerful symbol of women`s sports in Ängelholm.
Ambassador for the Sport and Her City
Such a tribute is unprecedented and holds immense significance for Swedish volleyball. The mural vividly demonstrates the increasing recognition and respect that volleyball and its athletes are receiving across Sweden.
`Bella` is not just a global volleyball icon; she is also an exceptional ambassador for the sport and for her beloved hometown, Ängelholm. The city, through its local club EVS (Engelholms VS), boasts a long-standing and strong volleyball tradition – a legacy the municipality actively seeks to support and promote.
This mural is the latest testament to that commitment. Another landmark event was Ängelholm`s successful co-hosting of the CEV European Golden League Final Four on June 28-29 at the modern Catena Arena. This event, organized in collaboration between the municipality, Visit Skåne, Backahills Sport & Evenemang, EVS, and the Swedish Volleyball Federation, transformed into a vibrant volleyball festival, attracting record numbers of spectators for the Swedish women`s national team matches over two days.
The women`s national team recently made its debut at the FIVB Volleyball World Championship, securing 19th place, and is now preparing for a historic EuroVolley to be held next year on home ground in Gothenburg.
