The Hague, the Netherlands, July 5, 2015 – “Very, very proud. So impressed. Inspiring.” Dutch volleyball VIP’s are head over heals with the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships taking place in the Netherlands these past days.
The Hague deputy mayor Rabin Baldewsingh has visited at least fifteen matches, despite his busy programme.
“It’s been really fun hosting this great event in the international city of peace and justice”, he said. “It has been a wonderful tournament, the weather is great, the players are fantastic. It has been a fantastic world cup in our beautiful city.”
Olympic gold medallist (1996, Atlanta) and former volleyball coach Peter Blangé visited the women’s final and calls on everyone to come to The Hague to experience the great atmosphere themselves.
“The atmosphere has been great, great crowd, great publicity, lots of spectacle on the sand.”
Hans Nieukerke, president of the national volleyball federation Nevobo is mostly proud. “I am so impressed with what we have done here.”
Joop Alberda, former volleyball coach who guided the Dutch national team to gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, talks about a society-changing event.
“This is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Dutch volleyball”, he said. “We inspired a lot of young people. This event has made an impact on our whole society.”