Larnaka, Cyprus, July 1, 2016 – In less than a month the best U19 teams from around the world will travel to Cyprus for the 14th edition of the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships (July 27-31).
The Cyprus Volleyball Federation and host city Larnaka are, based on previous experience, ready and looking forward to staging yet another prestigious beach volleyball tournament, said the acting mayor of Larnaka, Petros Christodoulou, at Thursday’s press conference.
“We all know what the World Championship is all about (in any sport)”, Christodoulou said. “The economic difficulties that our small island is still facing do not make things easier. But, with the help of our sponsors we are hopeful that, yet again, Larnaka will pass another difficult task with flying colors.”
Cyprus has hosted several FIVB Challenger and Satellite events before and this will be the third FIVB international event held in Larnaka as the coastal town staged the 2012 FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships and the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships.
The newly re-elected president of the Cyprus Volleyball Federation, Dr. Michalis Krashias, mentioned the high standards set by Larnaka in previous events. Again there will be over 200 volunteers to make this event another successful one, he said.
“We all know that Larnaka is now well-established on the world beach volleyball map, but every tournament is different, and requires a lot of hard work and commitment. Experience will certainly play a vital part, together with Cypriot hospitality and friendship. Let’s not forget that tourism is the biggest source of income for our small island, and hosting such a major sporting event will have extra benefits for Cyprus and its people in the future.”
Over a hundred teams will travel to the island in the Mediterranean Sea to participate in the double gender U19 World Championships. The qualification tournament starts on July 27, main draw on July 28, with matches played on four seaside courts. The tournament will also feature evening matches.
Like the other FIVB age-group events, the U19 World Champs are a breeding ground for the next generation of beach volleyball stars. One of these rising stars, Brazil’s Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa, will defend her U19 title in Larnaka, with a new partner Victoria Lopes Pereira Tosta.
The 17-year old Duda won U19 gold in 2013 and 2014 with different partners, and is also the reigning U21 world champion. She won two Opens on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour this year with Elize Maia.
The men’s U19 competition features the U17 world champions Florian Breer and Yves Haussener from Switzerland.