Beach Volleyball Plans New European Championship Tour
Luxembourg / Zurich, 24th June 2002: Guest of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, the Board of Administration of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) held its session in Zagreb from 15th to 16th June 2002. In order to further progress their preparation towards the European Beach Volleyball Competitions, the CEV and the Swiss based sports marketing company Global Sports Marketing Ltd. (GSM) have agreed to join forces in marketing, promotion and organization for the future European Beach Volleyball Competitions. CEV has signed a long-term agreement with GSM, which will become CEV’s exclusive promotion, marketing and television partner for the European Beach Volleyball Championship and European Tour.
The outstanding success of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Beach Volleyball competition has firmly established this exciting sport amongst the leading sports and entertainment events around the globe.
The new championship format will stage Europe’s Player elite (Men and Women) on a European Championship Tour, culminating into the Final Tournament for the European Championships. Great sport and huge media attention is guaranteed through the distribution of attractive prize money and the confirmation of the Championship as a qualification tournament for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Creating the new European Beach Volleyball Brand
As for the 2003 Season, the annual series of tournaments will be given a new look and visual identity demonstrating Beach Volleyball’s positive lifestyle. It will be promoted through the Tour’s broadcasting, sponsor and licensing partners and will contribute to an improved exposure of the sport and its participating athletes.
CEV President, André Meyer said: ‘We are very much looking forward to our new co-operation with Global Sports Marketing. Their experience in sports marketing and in a broad number of sports disciplines makes us confident that we can grow the value of European Beach Volleyball continuously through highly competitive sports competitions in combination with an attractive event presentation.’
Heinz Schurtenberger, Chairman of Global Sports Marketing said: ‘Global Sports Marketing is proud to partner CEV in their strive to establish the new European Championship Tour. We are looking forward to deliver the full attractiveness of the sport of Beach Volleyball to athletes and fans alike, but also to the general public and potential commercial partners over a full season, culminating into the splashing climax of the European Championships.’
For further information please contact:
The CEV Headquarters in Luxembourg, olivier.mottier@cev.lu or + 352 25 46 46 25.
Christian Scholbrock at christian.scholbrock@gsmglobalsports.com or +41 43 244 9977.