The Hague, the Netherlands, July 5, 2015 - FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graca F° applauded the Dutch hosts of the Beach Volleyball World Championships today as the sport gathers increasing momentum towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The FIVB’s commitment to innovation under President Ary Graca’s leadership was evidenced by this competition being yet another “Championship of Firsts” as is becoming a tradition for the International Volleyball Federation. This Championship was the first hosted by the Netherlands, the first staged across multiple host cities, and the first edition to act as an Olympic qualification opportunity for Rio 2016.
Over 110,000 fans passed through the gates across The Hague, Amsterdam, Apeldoorn and Rotterdam, with 95,000 local children participating in side events related to the tournament and 2,355 successfully smashing the world record for the most amount of people playing volleyball in one location.
Additionally, over 1,000 volunteers ensured the smooth running of the event over 10 days of action, with 225 members of the media accredited.
President Graça reflected on an outstanding tournament which is in its 20th edition and has taken the sport of beach volleyball into a new era.
“This year’s World Championships have exceeded all expectations. The organising committee, Dutch Volleyball Federation and promoter set a spectacular stage for our athletes with a unique four city concept and the buzzing atmosphere created by the world’s best fans in full-capacity stadiums provided the players with a fantastic stage to perform on.
“This has been the best ever FIVB event in the history of beach volleyball with great organisation, fantastic matches, excellent crowds and teams from all around the world. I would like to congratulate TIG and NEVOBO for the outstanding results of this tournament which has taken beach volleyball to another level.
“The participation in 2015 from teams, media, volunteers and fans has broken records – creating an unstoppable energy throughout the host nation. I am delighted to have brought this signature event to the Netherlands and I thank them for their government’s full support and for their perfect organisation of our biggest beach volleyball championship yet. They really have set a new benchmark for future hosts – particularly those that will be bidding for the competition in 2017.
“This event has triggered a new era for beach volleyball – redefining sport as dynamic family entertainment, and I look forward to capitalising on this momentum on Copacabana Beach for the competition of a lifetime in 2016.”
Brazil’s Barbara and Agatha won the women’s title on Sunday. The men’s final between Reinder Nummerdor/Christiaan Varenhorst from the Netherlands and Brazil’s Alison/Bruno will take place in The Hague at 21:00 (local time).