PRESS KIT 2003 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour Calendar WOMEN

DATE COUNTRY PRIZE MONEY 11 June - 15 June Rhodes, Greece Open $150,000 17 June - 21 June Gstaad, Switzerland Open $150,000 24 June - 28 June Berlin, Germany Grand Slam $300,000 01 July - 05 July Stavanger, Norway Open $150,000 15 July - 19 July Marseille, France Grand Slam $270,000 MEN 30 July - 02 Aug Klagenfurt, Austria Grand slam $260,000 06 Aug - 10 Aug Osaka, Japan Open $150,000 DATE COUNTRY PRIZE MONEY 13 Aug - 17 Aug Maoming, China Open $150,000 04 June - 08 June Rhodes, Greece Open $150,000 20 Aug - 24 Aug Bali, Indonesia Open $150,000 18 June - 22 June Gstaad, Switzerland Open $150,000 3 Sept - 7 Sept Milan, Italy Open $150,000 25 June - 29 June Berlin, Germany Grand Slam $300,000 16 Sept - 20 Sept Los Angeles, USA Grand Slam $300,000 02 July - 06 July Stavanger, Norway Open $150,000 08 Oct - 12 Oct , Brazil World Championship $400,000 16 July - 20 July Marseille, France Grand Slam $270,000 TOTAL WOMEN'S PRIZE MONEY USD$2,580,000 23 July - 27 July Espinho, Portugal Open $150,000 31 July - 03 Aug Klagenfurt, Austria Grand Slam $260,000 3 Sept - 7 Sept Mallorca, Spain Open $150,000 17 Sept - 21 Sept Los Angeles, USA Grand Slam $300,000 15 Oct. - 19 Oct Rio de Janeiro, Brazil World Championship $400,000 TOTAL MEN'S PRIZE MONEY USD$2,280,000

TOTAL COMBINED PRIZE MONEY USD$4,860,000

1 Evolution of the SWATCH-FIVB From the beginnings of three legs for men in Brazil, Italy and Japan World Tour involving 40 athletes, from seven countries, women were introduced three years later before the international circuit was revitalized and the World Championship Series was born in 1995. At that point legs It is astonishing to think how international Beach has and prize money stood at 17 and US$2.4m respectively thus prompt- evolved into one of the world's most popular global sporting ing the transformation into the now famous World Tour. extravaganzas since it's inauguration 14 years ago. Now, in 2003, the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour provides a gripping From 1989 when the first international Tour circuit embracing 22 stops split between men and women with over called the World Series was unleashed in Rio de Janeiro the circuit 700 athletes from more than 50 countries and a record prize money has undergone two name changes and a makeover to become one pool nearing US$5m. Also including for the first time a four-leg of the most dynamic global sporting tournaments in the Grand Slam - a tournament within a tournament - at Berlin, Marseille, world. Klagenfurt, and Los Angeles.

2 The FIVB Beach Volleyball Website

Check out the FIVB Beach Volleyball website at: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/index.asp

From here you can check out the following: Current results and standings - go to calendar and click on event

Player Profil.es: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Profile/Profiles_list.htm

Player Biographies: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/PlayerBios/Player.htm

The best players of 2002: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Best_players%202002.htm

Under 21 and Under 18 World Chapionships: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Competitions/U21/2003/Calendar2003.htm

The new Beach Volleyball Handbook: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Handbook/index.asp

2002 Beach Volleyball News: www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/2002%20News.htm

From this site we also have links to player websites, 2002 World Tour rankings, national circuits, and lots more......

3 Beach Volleyball: From Depression Diversion to $$ million Delight Born in the depression days of the 1920s on the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, California, Beach Volleyball has soared to a multi million- dollar extravaganza and an Olympic sport that has captivated players in more than 150 coun- tries.

From those first matches the game caught on 10 years later in France, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Latvia before slotting perfectly into the Californian lifestyle in the 1950s and the pulsating 60s, taking its place alongside surfing. Milestones: U.S.A. and Brazil then played a major role in 1920's - The birth of Beach Volleyball on the beaches of Santa Monica, California. transforming "Beach" into a professional sport 1947 - The first official two-man Beach Volleyball tournament held at State Beach, California in the 1970s and '80s but it was the hard work of with no prize money. the FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta and Beach 1948 - The first tournament with prizes was played at State Beach, California were the top teams Volleyball stars such as , Karch were rewarded with a crate of Pepsi. Kiraly and that helped establish 1974 - The first money tournament was held - US$1,500 San Diego Open. 250 spectators. Beach Volleyball internationally in the 1980s 1987 - The first FIVB international competition started called "The World Championship" in Rio and '90s and become a full medal sport at the de Janeiro. It later changes its name to the World Series in 1989-90 and the World Tour in 1996. 1996 Atlanta . At the same time 1993 - The International Olympic Committee recognizes Beach Volleyball as an Olympic Games the FIVB Beach Volleyball international circuit discipline. evolved from the World Series to the World 1996 - First appearance (and sold out) at the Atlanta Olympic Games. Tour and exploded in popularity in Europe, 2000 - Beach Volleyball a smash hit at the Sydney Olympic Games with 180,000 spectators and Latin America and Asia. billions of TV viewers. 2001 - More and 120,000 spectators attend five days of competition at the World Championship Now in 2003 Beach Volleyball boasts a 22-event in Austria. World Tour encompassing Europe and the 2003 - The World Tour includes a four-leg "Grand Slam" integrated tournament within a tour- Americas, including the World Championships, nament, challenging the top teams to win "The Slam" and go down in history as truly great in an Olympic-qualifying year with almost US players. Grand Slams in Berlin, Marseille, Klagenfurt and California, each carrying at least $5million in prize money up for grabs. US$260,000 in prize money.

4 Quantum Leap for Beach Volleyball in 2003

When the first ball is served on the beautiful island of Rhodes to launch the SWATCH-FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, it will signal the start of what will be a ground breaking Beach Volleyball season.

FIVB's partnership with SWATCH, the new title sponsor and the world's leading makers of tim- ing devices, brings with it fabulous new technical innovations (SWATCH electronic score- boards and measurement of speed of service) and the freshness of a relationship formed to joint- ly promote what has become the summer sport of choice in many countries.

This year top players will have the chance to prove they are truly great by cracking the four-leg Grand Slam, as well as to contest the title of titles - the World Championship on the world's most famous beach - Copacabana, Brazil.

In addition, in another unique action, FIVB joins forces with Ecoflag, a program of Global Sports Alliance and UNEP, the United Nations Environmental Program, designed to raise environmen- tal awareness through eco-friendly sports practices, a program that has the personal support of FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta.

This year, the Tour goes to Europe, Asia, North and South America and event organizers are overwhelmed with teams who wish to compete on the elite circuit.

The FIVB now hosts two annual Junior World Championships (U-21 and U-18) to nurture the next generation of Beach stars, a process enhanced by national tours popping up in countries all over the world.

5 World Championship returns to its spiritual home A Grand Slam of an idea

The month was October, the year 1986, the place Prague and Just when you thought the SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour was the FIVB Congress made a decision to launch the inaugural enough to whet the appetite the introduction of a new four-leg Grand Slam international Beach Volleyball competition, the World this year promises to inject further spice having opened the possibility for a Championship, to kick start what has evolved into a global team to claim "The Grand Slam". sporting extravaganza. Four tournaments on the World Tour - Berlin, Germany in June, Marseille, Since it's spectacular debut in 1987 on the fabulous Copacabana Beach in Brazil, France in July, Klagenfurt, Austria in August and California, USA for the final the World Championship has gathered immense prestige and importance. It is leg in September will each carry high prestige as being one of the Grand Slam therefore fitting that in 2003 the most important event on the calendar returns to legs, carrying US$300,000 in prize money. its spiritual home on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Should a team succeed in winning all four tournaments, they, as Grand Slam Brazil hosted the "World Championships" every year from 1987 to 1995. Then in Champions, will not only go down in the annals of the history of our sport, 1997 a new-look World Championships was staged in Los Angeles and the deci- but they will also attract admiration from their peers and the sport's aficiona- sion was made to stage the event every two years. Since then, France (1999) and dos. This sporting concept, already entrenched in traditional sports such as Austria (2001) have both hosted the celebrated event. tennis and golf, will create a real sporting challenge to top teams and serve up another delectable appetizer for all Beach Volleyball fans. In 1987 the "World Championship" was held with one leg at the famous Copacabana beach with 40 athletes from seven countries competing for a total of US$21,575. Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos, early stars and now icons of the sport, took the honors. Now, the 2003 FIVB World Championship, presented by SWATCH, will see 48 men's and 48 women's teams compete in back to back tournaments from October 7-19 with US$800,000 up for grabs.

The next edition of the FIVB World Championships is planned for a return to Los Angeles in September 2005 where the best of the best will play in the sports birth- place in the 1920's.

6 WORLD RANKINGS

Top 10 Men’s Teams from the 2002 World Tour Top 10 Women’s Teams from the 2002 World Tour

RANK TEAM COUNTRY RANK TEAM COUNTRY 1 Baracetti-Conde ARG 1 Walsh-May USA 2 Marcio Araujo-Benjamin BRA 2 Adriana Behar-Shelda BRA 3 Ricardo-Loiola BRA 3 Pottharst-Cook AUS 4 Laciga P.-Laciga M. SUI 4 McPeak-Youngs USA 5 Child-Heese CAN 5 Ana Paula-Minello BRA 6 Wong-Metzger USA 6 Perrotta-Gattelli ITA 7 Emanuel- BRA 7 Barros- BRA 8 Kjemperud-Hoidalen NOR 8 Alexandra-Mônica BRA 9 Heuscher-Kobel SUI 9 Leenstra-Kadijk R. NED 10 Pará-Harley BRA 10 Pohl-Rau GER

Top 4 Mens Teams from the U21 World Championship 2002 Top 4 Women Teams from the U21 World Championship 2002 RANK TEAM COUNTRY RANK TEAM COUNTRY 1 Herrera-Mesa ESP 1 Lima-Silva BRA 2 Cunha-Fonseca BRA 2 Forrer-Schonenberger SUI 3 Karger-Lammens GER 3 Salgado Rufino-Rocha BRA 4 Gortsianouk-Knapek GRE 4 Arvaniti-Koutroumanidou GRE

Top 4 Mens Teams from the U18 World Championship 2002 Top 4 Womens Teams from the U18 World Championship 2002 RANK TEAM COUNTRY RANK TEAM COUNTRY 1 Salgado-Borges BRA 1 Keizer-Stevens NED 2 Gortsianouk-Papadimitriou GRE 2 Lehmann-Romberg GER 3 Daynov-Koshkarev RUS 3 Flemig-Semmler GER 4 Pecherz-Lyczko POL 4 Grael-Salgado BRA

7 Beach Volleyball rules for you

Beach Volleyball is best known for its tension, excitement and drama and the rules are remarkably simple, making the game univer- sally popular also as a recreational sport. Two teams of two players must score points by placing the ball over (without touching) the net and into the opponent's court - that's it - the recipe for some of the best fun you can have on the beach.

Throw in a couple of additional regulations; the ball can touch any part of the body, each team has three alternate hits between the two players to return the ball and one cannot catch or throw the ball and you are on track to understanding one of the best forms of summer entertain- ment on the planet.

Here are a couple of extra pointers just to help you enjoy the game even more.

The match is won by the team that wins two sets. A set is won by the team that scores 21 points first with a minimum margin of 2 (except in the deciding 3rd set). In the case of a 20-20 tie, play is continued until a two-point lead is reached. In the case of the sets being tied 1-1, the deciding set is played to 15 points (not the usual 21) with a minimum lead of 2 points. A team winning a rally scores a point - The Rally Point System The serving player must be alternated everytime this occurs. There are NO determined positions on the court. Two players can touch the ball at the same time but when two teammates do, it counts as two hits (except if blocking). If there is a "held ball" by two opponents over the net it is NOT considered a fault. A player may enter the opponent's court provided they don't interfere with the opponent's play.

So the next time you head to one of the glamour spots on the international Beach Volleyball circuit to take in the fun and passion of Beach Volleyball remember; it's a simple game. Why not grab a ball and try it yourself!

8 Kerri-Ann Pottharst, the Gold Five time Beach Volleyball medallist at the Olympic World Champion Sinjin Games in Sydney and 1996 Smith on how to play Beach Digging Receiving Bronze medallist at Atlanta Volleyball. offers tips how to play Beach Volleyball. Jump serve: Use the serve to try to ace or force a bad pass. This serve is best when the wind is in your face Give and Take: One side of the court is 8m x and you can hit the ball very hard. 8m and there are only two of you to cover it so therefore, one must "give" up a certain area, Float Serve: You contact the ball so that it does- whilst "taking" away another. Look at where n't spin in hope that it will float with a way- your opponent is likely to hit the ball and you ward trajectory. This serve is also best with the "take" that area away by making sure you dig wind in your face. it every time. Then look at the shots they rarely use, and "give" up those areas. By giving and Skyball: A serve that is hit high into the sky to taking you dig LOTS of balls!! Setting either blind the passer because the sun is directly in ones face or to allow the wind to Spiking Faking in defense: It helps to "trick" your move the ball so it is difficult to line up for the opponent into hitting the ball straight to you. pass. It's best done to an opponent who is good at looking at you just before they take off to jump Shot: Approach the net as if to spike but and hit the ball. So, as the defensive player, instead of using a quick arm and snapping the you time it so that just as they look, you "fake" wrist, slow the arm down at the last moment a move one way and then as they're hitting it disguising the change and guide the ball into a you run the opposite way to dig their hit. specific area of the court.

Serving Blocking

9 Olympic Stats

1996 Atlanta Olympics: 24 men's teams and 18 women's teams compet- ing on Atlanta beach in a 10,000-seat stadium. More than 107,000 spec- tators took in the six-day competition. Some 600 athletes representing 42 countries took part in the Olympic qualifying process. Medallists: Men: Gold: and Kent Steffes (USA) as Kiraly becomes a three-time gold medalist and the first indoor and outdoor Olympic champion in volleyball. Silver: and Mike Whitmarsh (USA) Bronze: John Child and Mark Heese (Canada) Women: Gold: and Sandra Pires (Brazil) Silver: Mônica Rodrigues and Adriana Samuel (Brazil) Bronze: and Kerri-Ann Pottharst (Australia)

2000 Sydney Olympics: The top 24 men's and 24 women's teams com- peting on Bondi Beach in a stadium holding 10,000 fans. Teams from more than 50 countries took park on the qualifying process. Medallists: Men: Gold: Dain Blanton and Eric Fonoimoana (USA) Silver: Zé Marco and Ricardo Costa (Brazil) Bronze: Jörg Ahmann and Axel Hager (Germany) Women: Gold: Natalie Cook and Kerri-Ann Pottharst (Australia) Silver: Adriana Behar and (Brazil) Bronze: Sandra Pires and Adriana Samuel (Brazil)

2004 Athens Olympics: A total of 24 men's and 24 women's teams will take part in the Beach Volleyball competition at the Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre, which holds 10,000 people. All matches will be played on centre court where teams will play a minimum of three matches. Night sessions will be scheduled for each day of the 12-day competition. All continents will be granted a vacancy if not already qualified. Teams from 60 countries will take part in the qualifying process.

10 Eco Friendly Beach Volleyball!

The FIVB and Global Sports Alliance have joined forces to help raise environment awareness through sport.

The ecoflag symbolizes the commitment to the environment of sports-lovers and everyone who knows the importance and irreplaceable nature of the water, air and greenery that sur- rounds us.

Beach Volleyball World Tour event in Gstaad, Switzerland is setting the example by players using bicycles for local transport in the picturesque alpine town!

Hop, Step and Jump to a better environment GSA's, approach to the environmental problem is unique and practical:

First (Hop) is promoting awareness through the Ecoflag. "We can enjoy volleyball because of clean air and water, thus the environment. Let's make sure that we keep the environment clean for future generations."

Second (Step) is promoting the spontaneous actions on the environment. The GSA has introduced advanced initiatives on sports and environmental issues, such as asking sport fans to take spontaneous actions on the environment. They make this introduction through the Global Forum for Sports and Environment (G-ForSE2003), which will be attended by the FIVB president Dr. Rubén Acosta on November 14th in Tokyo, Japan.

Third (Jump) is spreading this awareness and actions to the 1 billion sport enthusiasts around the world.

For more information take a look at the global Sports Alliance website at www.gsa.or.jp

11 Frequently asked questions Do men and women receive equal prize money? Yes Why does the FIVB force the women to play in bikinis? They don't. The women have the option of playing in a one or two piece playing uniform. In 1989 they played in a one piece uniform. Do you have to have special sand for the tournaments? Yes. A top quality, clean, fine sand, which is tested in laboratories. Is the net and court the same size for beach volleyball as in indoor volleyball? The net height is the same size at 2.43m for men and 2.24m for women but the Beach Volleyball court size is 8m x 16m compared with 9m x 18m for Indoor. Which country is growing the fastest in terms of beach volleyball? Thailand is the host of the Women's U20 and Boy's U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in 2003 reflecting the popularity of the sport in the country. Why isn't mixed volleyball played? Firstly the net is at a different height for men and women and secondly, the speed of which the game is played differs between the two sexes, providing an unfair advantage. Do all beach volleyball players come from indoor volleyball? No. Beach Volleyball has such a presence now it is attracting professional players who have dedicated their life to the sport. Is Beach Volleyball always played on beaches? No. You will see some venues located in the middle of town squares, ports and holiday resorts. Do beach volleyball teams have captains? Yes. Usually indicated on the score sheet and the captain is responsible for the coin toss among other things. Is a ball on the line in or out? In What is the average length of a match? A typical game consists of about 100 rallies or just less than an hour. Is the ball the same as Indoor Volleyball? No it is heavier What is the mission of the FIVB? To bring Volleyball in all its forms to as many people in the world as possible When was Beach Volleyball introduced to the Olympic Games programme? In it's debut at the Olympics, Beach Volleyball was a sold out event at the 1996 Atlanta Games What is the relationship between the FIVB and AVP? FIVB and AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) have an agreement of cooperation and in 2003 AVP hosts an FIVB Grand Slam. What is the role of a National Federation? National Federations are affiliated to the FIVB and act as co-organizers of Beach events if there is a promoter Are players professional or amateur? Top players are professional Who are the legends of Beach Volleyball? Men: Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, Karch Kirally, Gene Selznick, Loila Women: Jackie Silva, Kerri-Ann Pottharst, What do the signals mean in Beach Volleyball? One index finger behind the back means the blocker will take the line parallel to the outside of the court while the player at the back covers the diagonal angle. Two index fingers means the blocker takes the diagonal while the player at the back covers the shot down the line.

FIVB Communications Manager: Marcia Hill Tel: +41 (21) 345 3535 Fax: +41 (21) 345 3545 Email: [email protected]

Beach Volleyball on tour Press Delegate: Terrence Ororke Tel: +44 (0)208 672 9655 Mobile: +44 (0)7808 866 180 Email: [email protected]

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