Hand ball has been around for a long time, I used to play it some when I was younger at a Boys and Girls Club, and as CG's link showed its been around way before that.
As for gymnastics or swimming meets, they are always happening and there are plenty of spectators whether its family members or friends of those competing, other competitors or people that generally like to watch. These are things people will watch, now they aren't on TV that much but that's more because there is no "professional" outlet. You may occasionally see college meets on some obscure ESPN channel.
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Calvin's Highs
Career
HG:300
HS:763
2008-2009 Winter Season
HG:277
HS:673