Table of Contents

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2 Message of the FIVB President Dr Rubén Acosta 3 FIVB History & Mission 4 Beach History & Facts 5 Evolution of the Swatch-FIVB World Tour 7 2004 Preview 8 2004 Calendar 9 2003 & 2002 Calendars with Results 10-23 Men’s Top Participating Teams 24-37 Women’s Top Participating Teams 38 Men’s World Rankings 39 Women’s World Rankings 40 Countdown to the Athens Olympics 41 Olympic Numbers 42 Rules For You 43 Referees’ Hand Signals 44 FIVB TV Exposure and Property 45 Ecoflag 46 FAQ’S 47 Growth Plan 48 FIVB Contact Details Message of the FIVB President

We know Beach Volleyball is a magic mix of sport and entertainment and it is enjoying phe- nomenal growth in many countries, so it is pleasing to welcome another feast of Beach Volleyball action on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour in 2004. This definitively represents the best calendar ever in the young history of Beach Volleyball and The season promises to be outstand- it confirms the positive decisions made by the ing with the highlight obviously FIVB and its partners and creates a solid plat- being the in form to further promote Beach Volleyball at all Athens in August guaranteeing levels and all over the world. fantastic competition season long with men’s and women’s And with an ever-growing sponsorship family - teams gunning for Olympic now including Swatch, Credit Suisse, Nike and qualification. Mikasa - perfectly suited to the energy and lifestyle of Beach Volleyball and the increased It is clear that the interest in presence of media, we look forward to working Beach Volleyball is explod- hand-in-hand again with all players, coaches, ing and the sport is enter- officials, promoters, journalists and sponsors to ing a new era of rapid develop Beach Volleyball even further, on a scale expansion across all that will retain it as one of the world's most pop- areas including television ular summer activities and a hit with public and and media. The phenom- media alike. enal success enjoyed at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games has cre- Keep the ball flying! ated a wave of populari- ty in many countries and Dr. Rubén Acosta Hernandez it is set to continue again FIVB President this year, which features an improved calendar including events in five continents, prize money of nearly 5.5 million dollars as well as the five rings competition in Athens. The FIVB History & Mission 03

The seeds of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball were sown at a meeting in the Graf Coffee House in Prague when the Polish, French and (then) Czechoslovak Volleyball Federations discussed declarations of support from the Italian, Yugoslav, Romanian, and Belgian Federations suggesting an “autonomous Volleyball him at the World Congress in Long Beach, commission”. California, USA.

Subsequently, the organization of a first The FIVB moved its headquarters to Lausanne, Constitutive Congress was entrusted to the Switzerland the same year bringing it closer to President of the French Volleyball Federation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Very Paul Libaud, and it took place in Paris from April soon after Dr. Acosta became Volleyball's 18 to 20, 1947 with the participation of 14 ambassador, promoting the sport in worldwide Federations. The FIVB was born! competitions held in the five continents (Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and Norceca). Mr Paul Libaud was elected first President of the FIVB shortly afterwards and the headquarters Now in 2004 and consisting of 218 affiliated were established in Paris, where they remained federations, the FIVB governs, manages for the first 37 years until 1984. and communicates all forms of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball The first World Championships were organised worldwide. It aims to develop (1949 for men and 1952 for women) and have since Volleyball as a major world remained the biggest event in Volleyball. In 1957 media and entertainment sport the International Olympic Committee included through world class planning Volleyball as a medal sport in the 1964 Olympic and organisation of compe- Games in Tokyo while Beach Volleyball made its titions, marketing and Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games. promotional activities.

A big turning point for the FIVB came in 1984 when President Paul Libaud, by then in his late 70s and highly acclaimed for having founded the Federation and making it a significant reality on the world sports stage, resigned while Dr. Rubén Acosta Hernandez was elected new President to succeed Beach Volleyball History & Facts

Beach Volleyball: From Depression Diversion to encompassing Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas $$ million Delight with the Athens Olympics the highlight.

Born in the depression days of the 1920s in Milestones California, Beach Volleyball has soared to a 1920's Birth of Beach Volleyball in Santa multi million dollar extravaganza and an Monica, California. Olympic sport that has reached 150 1947 First official two-person Beach countries. Volleyball tournament held at State Beach, California. The game soon caught on in Europe 1974 First money tournament – the US$1,500 before slotting perfectly into the San Diego Open. Californian lifestyle in the 1950s 1987 First FIVB international competition and 60s. USA and Brazil then called "The World Championship" in Rio played a major role in trans- de Janeiro. It later changes its name to forming "Beach" into a profes- the World Series in 1989-90 and the sional sport but it was the World Tour in 1996. hard work of the FIVB 1996 First appearance at the Olympic Games. President Dr. Rubén Acosta 2000 Beach Volleyball becomes a smash hit and stars such as Sinjin at the Sydney Olympic Games with Smith and that 180,000 spectators and millions of TV established Beach viewers. Volleyball internationally in 2001 More than 120,000 spectators attend the 1980s-90s, becoming an World Championship in Austria. Olympic sport at the 1996 2003 Swatch-FIVB World Tour includes four-leg Atlanta Games. At the "Grand Slam" each carrying US$300,000 same time the FIVB Beach in prize money. Volleyball international cir- 2004 An amazing 25 tournaments, including cuit evolved from the World three-leg Grand Slam, of which 16 are Series to the World Tour included in the Olympic qualifying and exploded in popularity process, with record prize money of in Europe, Latin America US$5,120,000. and Asia. Now in 2004 Beach Volleyball boasts a 25-event World Tour Evolution of the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour 05

It is astonishing to think how international Beach Volleyball has evolved into one of the world’s most popular global sport- ing extravaganzas since its inauguration 15 years ago. Now, in 2004, the season is a landmark for Beach Volleyball, having scheduled 25 tournaments (14 From 1989 when the first inter- men and 11 women), with US$5,120,000 in Prize national Beach Volleyball Tour Money, a three-leg Grand Slam (Berlin, Marseille called the World Series was and Klagenfurt), plus the year's highlight being the unleashed in the final assignment of 24 men and 24 women vacan- circuit has undergone two name cies for the Olympic Games in Athens, from changes and a makeover to become August 14-25. one of the most dynamic global sport- ing tournaments in the world.

From the beginnings of a three leg season for men in Brazil, Italy and Japan involving 40 ath- letes from seven countries, women were intro- duced three years later before the international cir- cuit was revitalized and the World Championship Series was born in 1995. At that point legs and prize money stood at 17 and US$2.4m respectively thus prompting the transformation into the now famous World Tour.

In 2003, the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour embraced 22 stops split between men and women with over 700 athletes from more than 50 countries and a record prize money pool nearing US$5m. While a four-leg Grand Slam, taking in Berlin, Marseille, Klagenfurt, and Los Angeles was included for the first time.

2004 Preview 07

Another gigantic season in store for Beach in 2004

Following a ground-breaking season last year, 2004 has raised the bar again with 25 tournaments and record prize money of US$5,120,000 with the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens guaran- teed to be the highlight.

With the Swatch-FIVB World Tour starting in March in Brazil before crossing five different conti- nents and returning to Brazil recognized circuit for Olympic qualification, for the season-ending finale the 2004 season is certain to be intense with 24 in September, Beach vacancies up for grabs in both genders. Sixteen Volleyball players, fans and of the 25 tournaments on the Swatch-FIVB World enthusiasts are in for a Tour have Olympic qualification points up for thrilling season, especial- grabs and will make for a fascinating countdown ly with qualification for towards the greatest sporting event of our era. the Olympic Games also in full swing. But while the Olympic Games will play a big part in the 2004 season, the race to become World The Olympic Games in Ranking champions will also attract much inter- Athens in August est with the Brazilian men's pairing of Ricardo (August 14-25) is the and Emanuel and the women's duo of Ana Paula event of the year, with and defending their 2003 titles. over 700 athletes and 50 teams vying for a Three Grand Slams in Berlin, Marseille and ticket to the world’s Klagenfurt will also feature while an unprece- sporting spectacle. dented number of Challenger and Satellite Since the Swatch-FIVB events promises to make 2004 a highly success- World Tour is the only ful and dynamic year for Beach Volleyball. 2004 Calendar

Women's 2004 Calendar OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENTS IN BLACK Dates Country Event and Site Host Broadcaster Prize Money 09 March-14 March Brazil Open Fortaleza SPORT TV / TV Globo US$ 180,000 19 May – 23 May Greece Open Rhodes ERT / Antena US$ 180,000 26 May – 30 May China Open Shanghai Great Sport Channel US$ 180,000 02 June - 06 June Japan Open Osaka MBS, Inc / TBS US$ 180,000 15 June – 19 June Switzerland Open Gstaad SRG SSR/ SF DRS US$ 180,000 22 June – 26 June Grand Slam Berlin ZDF US$ 300,000 30 June – 03 July Norway Open Stavanger TV Vest / NRK US$ 180,000 13 July – 18 July Grand Slam Marseille TMC US$ 280,000 28 July – 31 July Austria Grand Slam Klagenfurt ORF US$ 270,000

14 August – 24 August Athens Greece Olympic Games

01 Sept. – 05 Sept. Italy Open Milan La 7 US$ 180,000 20 Sept. – 25 Sept. Brazil Open Rio de Janeiro SPORT TV / TV Globo US$ 180,000

Prize Money US$ 1,225, 000 Bonus Pool US$ 1,065,000 Total : US$ 2,290,000

Men's 2004 Calendar OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENTS IN BLACK Dates Country Event and Site Host Broadcaster Prize Money 16 March – 21 March Brazil Open Salvador SPORT TV/TV Globo US$ 180,000 23 March – 28 March South Africa Open Cape Town MNET Super Sport US$ 180,000 19 May – 23 May China Open Lianyungang GSC / CCTV US$ 180,000 26 May – 30 May Serbia Mont. Open Budva RT Crne Gore US$ 180,000 02 June – 06 June Portugal Open Espinho RTP US$ 180,000 09 June – 13 June Puerto Rico Open Carolina Canal 13 US$ 180,000 16 June – 20 June Switzerland Open Gstaad SF DRS/SRG SSR US$ 180,000 23 June – 27 June Germany Grand Slam Berlin ZDF US$ 300,000 01 July – 04 July Norway Open Stavanger TV Vest / NRK US$ 180,000 14 July – 18 July France Grand Slam Marseille TMC US$ 280,000 21 July – 25 July Open Stare Jablonki TVP / Polsat US$ 180,000 29 July – 01 Aug. Austria Grand Slam Klagenfurt ORF US$ 270,000

14 August – 25 August Athens Greece Olympic Games

01 Sept. – 05 Sept. Spain Open Mallorca TVE/TELEDEPORTE US$ 180,000 21 Sept. – 26 Sept. Brazil Open Rio de Janeiro SPORT TV /TV Globo US$ 180,000

Prize Money US$1,525, 000 Bonus Pool US$1,305,000 Total : US$ 2,830,000

as at 01/05/2004 2003 and 2002 Calendars with results 09

2003 Men’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour Date Tournament Winners 04 June - 08 June Greece Open, Rhodes 1) Blanton-Nygaard (USA), 2) Benjamin-Araujo (BRA), 3) Berger-Doppler (AUT) 18 June - 22 June Switzerland Open, Gstaad 1) Benjamin-Araujo (BRA), 2) Dieckmann-Reckerman (GER), 3) Kobel-Heuscher (SUI) 25 June - 29 June Germany Grand Slam, Berlin 1) Harley-Franco (BRA), 2) Baracetti-Conde (ARG), 3) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA) 02 July - 06 July Norway Open, Stavenger 1) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA), 2) Baracetti-Conde (ARG), 3) Prosser-Williams 16 July - 20 July France Grand Slam, Marseille 1) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA), 2) M Laciga-P Laciga (SUI), 3) Blanton-Nygaard (USA) 23 July - 27 July Portugal Open, Espinho 1) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA), 2) Kjemperud-Hoidalen (NOR), 3) Schacht-Slack (AUS) 31 July - 03 Aug. Austria Grand Slam, Klagenfurt 1) Benjamin-Araujo (BRA), 2) Metzger-Wong (USA), 3) Kobel-Heuscher (SUI) 3 Sept. - 7 Sept. Spain Open, Mallorca 1) Benjamin-Araujo (BRA), 2) Dieckmann-Reckerman (GER), 3) Baracetti-Conde (ARG) 18 Sept. - 21 Sept. USA Grand Slam, Carson (LA) 1) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA), 2) Heyer-Egger (SUI), 3) Whitmarsh-Ceman (USA) 14 Oct. - 19 Oct. World Championship, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA), 2) Holdren-Metzger (USA), 3) Benjamin-Araujo (BRA)

2003 Women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour 11 June - 15 June Greece Open, Rhodes 1) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 2) Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) Walsh-May (USA) 17 June - 21 June Switzerland Open, Gstaad 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 3) Behar-Shelda (BRA) 24 June - 28 June Germany, Grand Slam, Berlin 1) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 2) McPeak-Youngs (USA), 3) Behar-Shelda (BRA) 01 July - 05 July Norway Open, Stavenger 1) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 2) Walsh-May (USA), 3) Behar-Shelda (BRA) 15 July - 19 July France Grand Slam, Marseille 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 3) Behar-Shelda (BRA) 30 July - 02 Aug Austria Grand Slam, Klagenfurt 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 3) Behar-Shelda (BRA) 06 Aug.- 10 Aug. Japan Open, Osaka 1) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 2) Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) Cook-Sanderson (AUS) 13 Aug. - 17 Aug China Open, Lianyungang 1) Kadijka-Leenstra (NED), 2) Lahme-Musche (GER), 3) Cook-Sanderson (AUS) 20 Aug. - 24 Aug Indonesia Open, Bali 1) Jia-Fei (CHN), 2) Peraza-Grasset (CUB), 3) Celbova-Novakova (CZE) 3 Sept. - 7 Sept. Italy Open, Milan 1) Jia-Fei (CHN), 2) Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) Mason-DeNecochea (USA) 18 Sept. - 21 Sept. USA Grand Slam, Carson (LA) 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Ana Paula-Pires (BRA), 3) Cook-Sanderson (AUS) 07 Oct. - 12 Oct. World Championship, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) Cook-Sanderson (AUS)

2002 Men’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour 12-16 June Germany Open, Berlin 1) Para-Harley (BRA), 2) Baracetti-Conde (ARG), 3) Dieckmann M-Reckermann (GER) 19-23 June Switzerland Open, Gstaad 1) Baracetti-Conde (ARG), 2) Marcio Araujo-Benjamin (BRA), 3) Wong-Metzger (USA) 3-7 July Norway Open, Stavenger 1) Emanuel-Tande (BRA), 2) Ricardo-Loiola (BRA), 3) Heuscher-Kobel (SUI) 10-14 July Canada Open, Montreal 1) Ricardo-Loiola (BRA), 2) Child-Heese (CAN), 3) Wong-Metzger (USA ) 17-21 July France Grand Slam, Marseille 1) Ricardo-Loiola (BRA), 2) Alvarez-Rosell (CUB), 3) Emanuel-Tande (BRA) 24-28 July Portugal Open, Espinho 1) Wong-Metzger (USA), 2) Marcio Araujo-Benjamin (BRA), 3) Ricardo-Loiola (BRA) 31 July - 4 August Austria Grand Slam, Klagenfurt 1) Ricardo-Loiola (BRA), 2) Heyer-Egger (SUI), 3) Kjemperud-Hoidalen (NOR) 7-11 August Spain Open, Cadiz 1) Laciga P.-Laciga M. (SUI), 2) Holden-Leinemann (CAN), 3) Emanuel-Tande (BRA) 4-8 September Spain Open, Mallorca 1) Laciga P-Laciga M (SUI), 2) Marcio Araujo-Benjamin (BRA), 3) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA) 1-6 October Brazil Open, Fortaleza 1) Marcio Araujo-Benjamin (BRA), 2) Wong-Metzger (USA), 3) Ricardo-Emanuel (BRA)

2002 Women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour 5-9 June Spain Open, Madrid 1) Walsh-May (USA) , 2) Ana Paula-Minello (BRA), 3) Pottharst-Cook (AUS) 18-22 June Switzerland Open, Gstaad 1) Walsh-May (USA) , 2) -Shelda (BRA), 3) Pottharst-Cook (AUS) 2-6 July Norway Open, Stavenger 1) McPeak-Youngs (USA), 2) Pottharst-Cook (AUS), 3) Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA) 9-13 July Canada Open, Montreal 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) McPeak-Youngs (USA) 16-20 July France Grand Slam, Marseille 1) McPeak-Youngs (USA) , 2) Walsh-May (USA) , 3) Pottharst-Cook (AUS) 24-28 July Greace Open, Rhodes 1) McPeak-Youngs (USA) , 2) Pottharst-Cook (AUS), 3) Sfyri-Karadassiou (GRE) 31 July-3 August Austria Grand Slam, Klagenfurt 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA), 3) McPeak-Youngs (USA) 7-11 August Japan Open, Osaka 1) Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA), 2) Ana Paula-Minello (BRA), 3) Walsh-May (USA) 14-18 August China Open, Maoming 1) Walsh-May (USA), 2) McPeak-Youngs (USA), 3) Pottharst-Cook (AUS) 3-7 September Spain Open, Mallorca 1) Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA), 2) Walsh-May (USA), 3) Ana Paula-Minello (BRA) 17-22 September Brazil Open, Vitoria 1) McPeak-Youngs (USA), 2) Walsh-May (USA), 3) Ana Paula-Minello (BRA) Men’s Top Participating Teams 11 Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Mariano Baracetti Age (birth date): 12.07.1974 Height: 194 cm Hometown: Buenos Aires, CF

Name: Martin Alejo Conde Age (birth date): 25.08.1971 Height: 186 cm Hometown: Los Cristianos-Arona, Tenerife

ARG Mariano shares with Conde contributes a lot. "We compli- Baracetti Baracetti ment each other," he noted. "That helps because and Martin being partners is a bit like a marriage. You have and Conde Conde suffered to be together all the time and be able to count on more disap- one another." pointments than Yet some of that chemistry appeared to go missing they would have mid-way through 2003 and the team suffered sev- liked during the 2003 eral surprise defeats in a number of tournaments, Swatch – FIVB World none more so than when they slipped out of the Tour, however these World Championships in Brazil in the round of 32. Argentineans relish a “Life has been very good to me, and I am able to challenge and no matter take things as they come,” Mariano Baracetti who they come up against in said on the 2003 performance. “Sometimes you 2004, the former world champi- win and things are going well, and then some- ons will command much respect. times things are not so good." The year was 2001; the location Klagenfurt, Austria and the newly formed team of Baracetti and Conde beat all who stepped before them on their way to winning the World Championship for the first time before claiming the 2001 World Tour title. Team results 2003: Gstaad, SUI – 5th / Berlin, GER – 2nd / Stavanger, NOR – 2nd / When asked about their general success as a Marseille, FRA – 17th / Espinho, POR – 9th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 9th / unit, Baracetti said the good "chemistry" he Mallorca, ESP – 3rd / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 17th 13

Name: Nikolas Berger Age (birth date): 18.03.1974 Height: 196 cm Hometown: Vienna

Name: Clemens Doppler Age (birth date): 06.09.1980 Height: 200 cm Hometown: Vienna

AUT Combining charismatic Viennese, who finished ninth at the Berger just one year Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with Oliver Tribe, prior to their made the change to join Doppler in 2002 and after and Doppler 2003 European a slow start managed to record some encourag- Beach Volleyball ing results in their first year. Championship win, Doppler, like Berger, began his career playing Austria’s number one Volleyball and although he mixed playing Beach team of Niki Berger and Volleyball and Volleyball from 1996 to 2001 it was Clemens Doppler have with limited success. quickly developed into one “Our recognition value has increased greatly,” of the more formidable outfits Clemens Doppler said on the reaction following on the Swatch - FIVB World Tour. their European title triumph in 2003. “We were A seventh place finish on the final on the front page of three major daily newspa- 2003 Swatch-FIVB World Tour stand- pers, "Kurier", "Krone" and "Standard". That is ings confirmed the improvements the usually only accomplished by skiers and foot- Berger-Doppler partnership has been making. ball players, not by Beach Volleyball players.” The left-armed Berger, at 30, is the elder statesman of the team with Doppler the mere baby at only 23 years-of-age, yet the mix of old and young has blended well to give all Austrians Team results 2003: a superbly skilled unit to be proud of. Rhodes, GRE – 3rd / Gstaad, SUI – 4th / Berlin, GER – 9th / Stavanger, NOR – 9th / Marseille, FRA – 9th / Espinho, POR – 9th / Berger started playing Volleyball in 1986 but Klagenfurt, AUT – 5th / Mallorca, ESP – 9th / Los Angeles, USA – 4th / began dabbling in Beach Volleyball in 1995. The Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 17th Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Andrew Schacht Age (birth date): 22.05.1973 Height: 192 cm Hometown: Adelaide

Name: Joshua "Josh" Slack Age (birth date): 16.12.1976 Height: 191 cm Hometown: Adelaide

AUS As each Adelaide, began playing Beach Volleyball in 1999 and Schacht season also failed to hit the high notes with former playing passes, so partners Matthew Grinlaubs and Jarrod Novosel. and Slack 's Thus, the members of team Slack-Schacht were finest Joshua delighted when, in only their first competitive season Slack and Andrew together they scored a fifth place finish in the Schacht have been Portuguese Open in Espinho to add to the fifth they perfecting their tech- achieved in Norway. More success was to follow one nique and honing their season later as Slack and Schacht bettered their pre- collective skills as they vious achievement in Espinho when they claimed the challenge for honours on the bronze medal at the Open event in Portugal. Swatch - FIVB World Tour. From Now they face a race with Julien Prosser and Mark their first event together as a team Williams to see who will finish the year as Australia's in Fortaleza in 2002 Schacht and number one men's team. Slack have enjoyed huge improvements to their respective careers. Having debuted in Beach Volleyball in 1995, Schacht, a native of Adelaide, had previously spent most of his playing days with Victor Anfilloff. Team results were not promising as the duo failed to find that Team results 2003: collective spark and their split eventually came at the Rhodes, GRE – 9th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 17th / Stavanger, Norway, NOR – 17th / Marseille, FRA – 17th / end of the 2000 season. Espinho, POR – 3rd / Klagenfurt, AUT– 25th / Mallorca, ESP – 5th / Slack, who also hails from the South Australian city of Los Angeles, USA – 25th 15

Name: Ricardo Alex Costa Santos Age (birth date): 06.01.1975 Height: 200 cm Hometown: Salvador

Name: Age (birth date): 15.04.1973 Height: 190 cm Hometown: Curitiba (PR)

BRA Brazil’s with Emanuel’s improved back court game saw Ricardo Ricardo Alex the duo claim five podium finishes in 2003 as Costa Santos they developed an understanding which is des- and Emanuel and Emanuel tined to reap them further titles. Rego teamed up to form a dream Quote combination in 2003, "We're a young team in terms of the time we've claiming the FIVB- been together and I think we can definitely get Swatch World Tour and better before this year's Olympics in Athens," World Championship title, Emanuel said. "I'm starting to read Ricardo’s so they begin 2004 as one of blocking much better and am getting out of his the favourites for 2004 Swatch- shades. He's a blocking machine - I remember FIVB World Tour and Olympic when I used to play against him how difficult it Games honours. was.” Although they played two tournaments as "I feel I can focus more on getting high at the a pair in 2002, the 2003 FIVB-Swatch World net to block because I'm confident in my part- Tour signaled their first full season together but ner's back-court defence," said Ricardo. despite the relatively young age of the amalgama- tion, collectively Ricardo and Emanuel have over 60 FIVB titles to their name and it’s that experience Team results 2003: at winning that has helped this team become one Rhodes, GRE – 9th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 3rd / Stavanger, NOR – 1st / Marseille, FRA – 1st / Espinho, POR – 1st / of the strongest combinations in the sport. Klagenfurt, AUT – 5th / Mallorca, ESP – 5th / Los Angeles, USA – 1st / The excellent blend of Ricardo’s net domination Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 1st Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Marcio Henrique Barroso Araujo Age (birth date): 12.10.1973 Height: 192 cm Hometown: Fortaleza, CE

Name: Benjamin Insfran Age (birth date): 14.04.1972 Height: 197 cm Hometown: Quebec Sta Lambert

BRA Marcio has to be seen to be believed. They're combination Benjamin and Araujo and on court is uncanny and they can often get through Benjamin a match just on the back of the fanatical support Marcio Araujo Insfran are from the fans. capable of "The big turning point for us was when we first some exceptional won a World Tour tournament in Vitória (Brazil - results on the 2000),” Marcio Araujo commented. “We came from Swatch–FIVB World the qualifying rounds and surprised a lot of people. Tour as was witnessed That was the moment that Benjamin and I started in 2003. Three tourna- to believe that we could really face any team in the ment wins at Gstaad, world. That was the decisive point and a big step Klagenfurt and Mallorca and for us. After that, we played six finals in that year." many mind boggling Beach Márcio, who started his career in Volleyball, Volleyball displays saw the team switched to Beach Volleyball in the early 90's finish in second spot on the overall through the help of his coach Ronald and his father Swatch–FIVB World Tour team rankings. Luiz. Benjamin began playing the sport profession- But those close to these magnificent men ally in 1997 and failed to make a significant impact will tell you that there is one clear goal in their until he developed his partnership with Marcio a minds for 2004, to be the best. couple of years later. Having developed a thorough understanding of Team results 2003: each other’s game over their four seasons togeth- Rhodes, GRE – 2nd / Gstaad, SUI – 1st / Berlin, GER – 5th / Stavanger, NOR – 17th / Marseille, FRA – 9th / Espinho, POR – 4th / er as a team, Marcio Araujo and Benjamin often Klagenfurt, AUT – 1st / Mallorca, ESP – 1st / Los Angeles, USA – 5th / dazzle their opponents with skill and trickery that Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 3rd 17

Name: Christoph Dieckmann Age (birth date): 07.01.1976 Height: 198 cm Hometown: Köln

Name: Andreas "Andy" Scheuerpflug Age (birth date): 13.07.1967 Height: 196 cm Hometown: Postdam

GER Christoph outside the top ten and primed for another fruit- Dieckmann Ch. Dieckmann ful season on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour. and Andreas As Germany’s second team behind Markus and and Scheuerpflug Scheuerpflug his partner the Olympics are have been a reve- also a big goal. lation since teaming Although they are entering the 2004 Games with up in 2002. differing goals, Scheuerpflug and Dieckmann are At 28-years-old, focused on giving their all at the world’s premier Dieckmann is enjoying a sporting event. renaissance to his Beach For Dieckmann, the challenge of playing in his Volleyball career. Formerly very first Olympic Games and the experience it teamed up with his twin brother will provide is what Athens is all about. Markus, Christoph suffered a bad Scheuerpflug, on the other hand, will be compet- back injury and was forced out of the ing in his second Games after Sydney 2000 and game for two years. desperately wants to gain a higher finishing posi- With Scheuerpflug seeking a partner for tion than the 17th he managed with his then play- the remainder of the 2002 season following his ing partner Oetke. split with Oliver Oetke due to a disagreement sur- rounding objectives, a partnership with the recovered and available Dieckmann seemed the logical choice. Team results 2003: Rhodes, GRE – 9th / Berlin, GER – 9th / Stavanger, NOR – 9th / In almost two years together, Dieckmann and Marseille, FRA – 4th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 7th / Mallorca, ESP – 5th / Scheuerpflug have shot up the rankings to sit just Los Angeles , USA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 9th Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Jonas Reckermann Age (birth date): 26.05.1979 Hometown: Köln

Name: Markus Dieckmann Age (birth date): 07.01.1976 Height: 189 cm Hometown: Köln

GER Having match-ups ever to take place on the Swatch-FIVB Dieckmann M. twice World Tour. come so Yet being the true professionals that they are, the and Reckermann close to win- German giants failed to lose faith, and in search ning their first for an improved season they went to the beaches Swatch–FIVB of Rio de Janeiro ahead of the 2004 Swatch–FIVB World Tour gold World Tour for some intensive training. medal in 2003, Jonas Reckermann started to play Beach Volleyball Reckermann and some five years ago having previously played Markus Dieckmann Volleyball for almost nine years. His team mate, have penciled in 2004 to Markus, first stepped out onto the sand in 1995 erase those disappointments and played together with his brother Christoph and few would argue against until he teamed up with Jonas. the Germans taking top honours at "We fit together in a perfect way in terms of our some stage during the season. character and style of play,” Reckermann said. As if going down to Brazilian pair “Markus is the more impulsive player on the Benjamin Insfran and Marcio Henrique court, the one with the speedy feet. I am the Araujo in a nailbiting final at the 2003 Swiss calmer counterpart and have a good serve." Open in Gstaad wasn’t a bitter pill to swallow, Reckermann and Dieckmann suffered at the Team results 2003: hands of the very same team in the Spanish Open Rhodes, GRE – 17th / Gstaad, SUI – 2nd / Berlin, GER – 4th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Espinho, POR – 9th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 5th / several months later in what has since been Mallorca, ESP – 2nd / Los Angeles, USA – 5th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – described as one of the closest and longest 17th 19

Name: Vegard Hoidalen Age (birth date): 10.05.1971 Height: 193 cm Hometown: Skien

Name: Jorre André Kjemperud Age (birth date): 31.08.1968 Height: 189 cm Hometown: Stavanger

NOR Proving that younger foes on court. Hoidalen age is no bar- Hoidalen is one of the most colorful and formida- rier to success, ble of competitors on the World Tour. A Beach and Kjemperud Norway’s Vegard Volleyball pro since 1995, he stands at an impres- Hoidalen and Jorre sive 193cm and although he has been playing André Kjemperud Beach since the age of 11 he still puts in a week- have been battling ly regime of 20-30 hours of training. His playing it out with Beach partner, Kjemperud is a little more circumspect Volleyball’s finest since but equally efficient. 1995 and as the years have Hoidalen and Kjemperud enjoy tremendous past so this pair has gone from support from their army of traveling Norwegian strength to strength. In fact, the fans, all of whom help to add to the spectacular 2003 Swatch–FIVB World Tour rep- atmospheres generated at all Swatch-FIVB resented one of the best ever seasons World Tour events. for this team when they finished 8th on the end of year team rankings. Being constantly referred to as one of the oldest and longest serving teams on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour can’t be healthy for Team results 2003: the respective egos of Hoidalen and Rhodes, GRE – 5th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 5th / Kjemperud, however, the duo enjoy laughing Stavanger, NOR – 9th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Espinho, POR – 2nd / Klagenfurt, AUT – 25th / Lausanne, SUI – 4th / Athens, GRE – 2nd / off suggestions that they’re past it and take Mallorca, ESP – 25th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA particular delight in tormenting many of their – 9th Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Luis Miguel Barbosa Maia Age (birth date): 23.04.1971 Height: 180 cm Hometown: Espinho

Name: João Carlos Brenha Alves Pereira Age (birth date): 06.05.1970 Height: 193 cm Hometown: Espinho

POR Luis savoured following years of hard work togeth- Maia Miguel er. The following season saw the Portuguese Maia and outfit storming through a field of competitors and Brenha João Carlos once again as they notched up gold at the Brenha are Russian Open in Moscow. Beach Volleyball They have failed to reach the podium since legends. Partnering those glory days in the late ‘90s, however, with each other since the the prospect of another Olympic Games 1994-’95 season, the approaching towards the end of this season, Portuguese players have Maia and Brenha are certain to start lifting twice come so close to their game on the 2004 SWATCH – FIVB World fulfilling a life long ambition Tour after missing the opening three events due of gaining a medal at an to a hamstring injury to Maia. Olympic Games. Unfortunately they lost out in the bronze medal match at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and again on the Sydney sands in 2000. The players share many similarities and com- plement each other superbly on-court having forged a wonderful relationship through playing over 100 tournaments together since teaming Team results 2003: Rhodes, GRE – 25th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Espinho, POR – 9th / up in 1994. Ostend in Belgium was the scene for Klagenfurt, AUT – 9th / Mallorca, ESP – 17th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / the pair’s first gold medal in 1998, a result both Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 4th 21

Name: Paul Laciga Age (birth date): 24.11.1970 Height: 193 cm Hometown: Kerzers (FR)

Name: Martin Laciga Age (birth date): 25.01.1975 Height: 195 cm Hometown: Nidau

SUI Composed, play and exposure of the Lacigas that Beach Paul and concentrated Volleyball has become so popular in their home and able to beat country of Switzerland. Martin Laciga all comers on While other teams openly express themselves, the Swatch - FIVB communicate a lot and motivate each other, World Tour, the the Laciga brothers, apart from a few tactical Laciga brothers, Paul calls, are very quiet on court and concentrate and Martin, have been more on their play. They even prefer to take the the epitome of consis- contemplative approach during timeouts. tency over the years. This Throughout the early days of their partnership, Swiss combination, who first there was too much communication and due to competed on the World Tour in several overcharged emotional outbursts, they 1995, are always capable of gold decided to limit their exchanges in order to medal success because of their avoid a negative scene. Now they restrict their determination to give 100 percent in shows of emotion on court where they perform every event they enter. as one of the most flamboyant partnerships on They are renowned for being one of the the Tour. most persistent teams on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour and their standing in the world rankings in recent years (2003 - 3rd, 2002 - 4th, 2001 - Team results 2003: 2nd, 2000 - 2nd, 1999 - 4th, 1998 - 3rd and 1997 - 6th) is Rhodes, GRE – 5th / Gstaad, SUI – 5th / Berlin, GER – 5th / Stavanger, NOR – 5th / Marseille, FRA– 2nd / Espinho, POR – 5th / evidence of the amount of hard work they have Klagenfurt, AUT – 17th / Mallorca, ESP – 5th / Los Angeles, USA – 5th / put into the game. It is due, in part, to the great Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 5th Men’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Patrick Heuscher Age (birth date): 22.12.1976 Height: 193 cm Hometown: Zürich

Name: Stefan Kobel Age (birth date): 13.02.1974 Height: 190 cm Hometown: Duebendorf

SUI One of Volleyball terms) 190cm frame in the best possi- Heuscher the three ble manner in a sport, which commands the enormously best of athletic endurance. and Kobel talented and These two men, both in their late 20’s, have popular Swiss developed a partnership, which is blossoming teams on the all the time and is shaping up as one of Swatch-FIVB Switzerland’s best combinations. Their race for World Tour, Patrick Olympic qualification alongside the Laciga Heuscher and Stefan brothers and Sascha Heyer and Markus Egger Kobel are as focused as will be fascinating to say the least. ever on picking up as many medals as possible in 2004. Two top-three finishes at Gstaad and Klagenfurt in 2003, along with a title win at the Satellite event in Lausanne boosted their confi- dence and provided each player with the belief they were capable of much more. Both are seen as excellent technicians who learnt their trade in Volleyball. Having switched Team results 2003: to Beach in 1997, Heuscher and Kobel decided Rhodes, GRE – 17th / Gstaad, SUI – 3rd / Berlin, GER – 9th / Stavanger, NOR – 5th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 3rd / to combine their efforts as a team in 1998. Kobel Mallorca, ESP – 9th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA has managed to utilize his small (in Beach – 5th 23

Name: Age (birth date): 28.11.1971 Height: 187 cm Hometown: Los Angeles CA

Name: Jeff Wayne "Captain" Nygaard Age (birth date): 03.08.1972 Height: 204 cm Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

USA Dain Blanton having played Volleyball at national level between 1993 and Blanton has his sights 2000. A veteran of two Olympics, the American stands at an firmly set on the impressive 204cm and is said by many to be one of the finest and Nygaard double. Just four blockers in the world game. years ago at the The duo have had little time away from each other since join- Olympic Games in ing forces and their off court as well as on court connection Sydney, the American has been crucial in the team’s development. If they are to be stood with his playing partner successful both in reaching the Olympic Games and earning on the win- a medal there, the combination of camaraderie and hard ner’s podium with a gold medal work will have all paid off. hanging from his neck. In 2004, part- “It can be a challenge if you don’t get along well, but me and nered by the giant Jeff Nygaard, Blanton Jeff’s personalities work well together, we enjoy hanging is eager to repeat that feat and create history. out and we’re good friends.” Blanton said. “That helps your “I want to do something that nobody’s ever partnership, especially when you’re traveling all around the done,” Blanton said. “I want to win two Olympic world. But you do end up spending a lot of time with one gold medals on the beach.” another, and if you’re on the road for four or five weeks at a Teammates since 2003, Blanton and Nygaard have gelled time it’s nice to separate and be apart from each well together and have managed to become one of the most other a little, so you don’t wear on one another. But consistent presences on the Swatch – FIVB World Tour. The we get along real well.” pair stormed to victory in the Hellas Open in Greece at the beginning of last season’s Swatch-FIVB World Tour and there Team results 2003: Rhodes, GRE – 1st / Berlin GER – 25th / Stavanger , NOR – 9th / were immediate predictions of more success to come. Marseille, FRA – 3rd / Klagenfurt, AUT – 4th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / Nygaard has made a fantastic transition to the beach game Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 5th Women’s Top Participating Teams 25 Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Age (birth date): 19.01.1975 Height: 181 cm Hometown: Brisbane (Queensland)

Name: Age (birth date): 01.04.1976 Height: 183 cm Hometown: Mount Gravatt

AUS Following 1996 Atlanta Olympics before going two-places Cook the retire- better at Sydney four years later. They also fin- ment of ished third on the 2002 World Tour rankings and Sanderson Sydney before Pottharst, at 37, announced her retire- Olympic gold ment in March. medalist Kerri- The change in partnership marked a significant Ann Pottharst at step in the six-year international beach career of the start of 2003 her Sanderson, whose best finish on the World Tour former partner Natalie had been fifth (three times). Meanwhile Cook, a Cook paired up with Beach Volleyball professional, had first played on Nicole Sanderson with the World Tour in the 1993-94 season and had one thing in mind – to repeat amassed 92 tournament appearances prior to 2004. her gold-medal winning per- But Cook and Sanderson still gelled superbly and formance in Athens in 2004. look to be timing their run perfectly for the All the pressure was on Sanderson Athens Olympics. After a season of foundation having stepped into the gold-plated building and developing on court communica- shoes of Pottharst but she came through tion, the two Antipodeans are now impressing as the season with all her colours intact as the Australia’s number one pair. two Australians completed an impressive debut season together finishing fourth on the 2003 Team results 2003: Swatch-FIVB World Tour rankings. Rhodes, GRE – 9th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 9th / Stavanger, NOR – 5th / Marseille, FRA – 4th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 9th / Cook and Pottharst had been pioneers of Osaka, JPN – 3rd / Milan, ITA – 17th / Los Angeles, USA – 3rd / women's Beach Volleyball, winning bronze at the Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 3rd 27

Name: Age (birth date): 13.02.1972 Height: 183 cm Hometown: Leblon

Name: Sandra Pires Tavares Age (birth date): 16.06.1973 Height: 174 cm Hometown: Rio de Janeiro

BRA Although Sandra Pires, meanwhile, has become a Beach both Ana Volleyball legend winning gold at the 1996 Ana Paula Paula Connelly Atlanta Olympics and becoming the first women and Sandra and Sandra Pires to carry the Brazilian flag at Sydney 2000 where Tavares Pires she claimed the bronze medal with partner Nascimento have . been playing Beach Despite their different backgrounds the two Volleyball for over Brazilians have gelled into a superb combination three years the star duo with the outstanding skills at the net from Ana only came together as a Paula, superbly matched by Sandra Pires’ back team at the beginning of 2003 court urgency. and were an instant success. “We had been trying to play together since 2000,” Four gold medals, four silver and Ana Paula said. “Our idea was always to be two other top 10 finishes saw the together; therefore we find that we form a good Brazilian duo claim the Golden Sands team. Some people have kindly said we are an Top Team Trophy for finishing the season ideal pair, but I do not think that two good players as the top-ranked team on the 2003 necessarily make the best team". Swatch-FIVB World Tour. Ana Paula and double world champion Sandra Pires are both former Volleyball players, with the former having been a three time World Grand Prix Team results 2003: champion in 1994, 96 and 98, a bronze medalist at Rhodes, GRE – 1st / Gstaad, SUI – 2nd / Berlin, GER – 1st / Stavanger, NOR – 1st / Marseille, FRA – 2nd / Klagenfurt, AUT – 2nd / the Atlanta Olympic Games and a recipient of the Osaka, JPN – 1st / Milan, ITA – 9th / Los Angeles, USA – 2nd / best player award at the 1994 World Cup. Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 5th Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Adriana Brandão Behar Age (birth date): 14.02.1969 Height: 180 cm Hometown: Rio de Janeiro

Name: Shelda Kelly Bruno Bede Age (birth date): 01.01.1973 Height: 165 cm Hometown: Rio de Janeiro

BRA It has been ing the World Tour with 29 World Tour victories Adriana Behar one of the over eight years. They have more than 700 victo- longest and ries and 93 titles in a partnership spanning seven and Shelda most produc- years including two World Championship titles in tive partner- 2001 and 1999. ships in interna- Adriana is recognized as one of the biggest play- tional Beach ers in Beach in Brazil while Shelda’s nickname of Volleyball but head- “the cat” is a reflection of her feline tendencies ing into 2004 Adriana cleaning up in the back court. And despite last Brandão Behar and year’s disappointing results the two Rio de Shelda Kelly Bruno Bede Janeiro stars, who finished third on the 2003 have experienced some Swatch-FIVB World Tour rankings, are still frustrating times recently. expected to threaten again in 2004 and be one of The two Brazilian stars, who the main contenders for gold at Athens. paired up in 1995-96, are two-time reigning world champions, 2000 Olympic Games silver medalists and FIVB World Tour champions for five consecutive years (from 1997-2001) but in 2003, injury and bad luck saw them complete the season without a Team results 2003: tournament title to their name. Rhodes, GRE – 2nd / Gstaad, SUI – 3rd / Berlin, GER – 3rd / Stavanger, NOR – 3rd / Marseille, FRA – 3rd / Klagenfurt, AUT – 3rd / Few other teams can match them for the consis- Osaka, JPN – 2nd / Milan, ITA – 2nd / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / tency and longevity they have shown since join- Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 2nd 29

Name: Fei Wang Age (birth date): 06.08.1981 Hometown: Beijing

Name: Jia Tian Age (birth date) 09.02.1981 Height: 177 cm Hometown: Beijing

CHN With years dominating at the net while Tian Jia’s play in Tian Jia definitely on the back court has rivaled that of some of the their side best on the circuit. and Wang Fei Wang Fei and Definitely a team of the future, Wang Fei and Tian Jia are cur- Tian Jia should never be taken lightly, espe- rently one of the cially during the Athens Games in August sensations of the where they are expected to cause many an Swatch-FIVB World upset on their way to a top 10 finish. Tour as China’s leading team, recording impres- sive results in the process of playing innovative and entertaining Beach Volleyball. The year 2003 was a ground breaking season for the two Beijingnese, winning their first World Tour crown in Indonesia before making it back-to-back titles with gold two weeks later in Italy. Their success augers well for the 2008 Olympics, which will be on their Team results 2003: home turf, at which time they will be only 27 Rhodes, GRE – 17th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 17th / Stavanger, NOR – 5th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 17th / with more than 10 years experience. Osaka, JPN– 9th / Lianyungang, CHN – 5th / Bali, INA – 2nd / Tall and agile Wang Fei plays an integral part, Milan, ITA – 1st / Los Angeles, USA – 4th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 17th Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Tamara Larrea Peraza Age (birth date): 25.11.1973 Height: 183 cm Hometown: Ciudad Habana

Name: Dalixia Fernandez Grasset Age (birth date): 26.11.1977 Height: 176 cm Hometown: Couantanaho

CUB Larrea Peraza and Enchanting Larrea Peraza is the elder of the duo and her the crowds on-court experience is a vital asset to the Fernandez Grasset with their team’s success. She has been playing Beach easy style and since 1998, partnering Maria Eugenia Quevedo good humoured before combining her talents with Fernandez on-court antics, Grasset in 2000. Cuba’s Tamara Larrea The 2003 Swatch – FIVB World Tour season wit- Peraza and Dalixia nessed the Cubans earning their highest ever Fernandez Grasset are finish in an event when they played some sen- hunting for some solid sational Beach Volleyball and picked up a silver results on the 2004 Swatch- medal at the Bali Open in Indonesia. FIVB World Tour. Indeed, hav- ing picked up three top five finish- es last season, these Cubans are capable of beating anyone on their day. Brought up in Couantanaho, Cuba, Fernandez Grasset has developed into an extremely accomplished Beach player. Although she took up the sport in 2000 with her current teammate, Fernandez Grasset also played along- Team results 2003: Rhodes, GRE – 4th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 17th / side Yoselin Roque Palacios starting in 2001 Stavanger, NOR – 5th / Marseille, FRA – 25th / Lianyungang, CHN – 9th / through to 2002. Bali, INA – 2nd / Milan, ITA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 17th 31

Name: Sona Novakova Dosoudilova Age (birth date): 06.10.1975 Height: 186 cm Hometown: Brno

Name: Eva Celbova Age (birth date): 08.03.1975 Height: 186 cm Hometown: Olomouc

CZE Together as a fifths (Gstaad, Marseille and Klagenfurt) and Celbova and team since a ninth place finish at the World 1996, Sona Championships in Rio, all of which assisted Novakova Novakova and in the duo reaching eighth position on the Eva Celbova have final 2003 Swatch-FIVB World Tour rankings. become household Both girls are sports mad and work hard names on the throughout the season to maintain peak Swatch–FIVB World physical condition. When it’s time to wind Tour. Their superb team- down though, Sona Novakova and Eva work and uncanny under- Celbova are in complete agreement that standing of each other’s game there is nothing better than relaxing in front helped them achieve a podium of a good movie! finish at the 2003 Indonesian Open tournament in Bali. Expect this pair to dig deep in order to maintain their top 10 presence in 2004. Relatively similar in height, Novakova and Celbova complement each other well on court, mixing up their game when it is need- ed. Both are superb readers of play and can Team results 2003: frustrate any opponent regardless of ability. Rhodes, GRE – 7th / Gstaad, SUI – 5th / Berlin, GER – 9th / Stavanger, NOR – 9th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 5th / Adding to their season high third-place fin- Bali, INA – 3rd / Milan, ITA – 17th / Los Angeles, USA – 7th / ish in Bali, the Czechs also managed three Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 9th Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Stephanie Pohl Age (birth date): 07.05.1978 Height: 186 cm Hometown: Kiel

Name: Okka Rau Age (birth date): 05.01.1977 Height: 180 cm Hometown: Kiel

GER Together “We didn't believe that we could win,” a Pohl for their delighted Rau said after the final in which they fourth sea- beat their compatriots Andrea Ahmann and and Rau son now, 2003 Jana Vollmer 21-19, 21-19. “The season was European very tough and we had some injury problems but champions at the European Championships, everything Stephanie Pohl went well. It was simply a perfect tournament and Okka Rau are for us.” eager to collect as Both skiing enthusiasts, Pohl and Rau, an FIVB many points as they can women’s athlete advisor, play with an abundance on the 2004 Swatch–FIVB of energy and they never allow their opponents World Tour order to improve to settle. They have been learning and growing on their 10th place finish in the as a team since the 2001 season and are always 2003 official world rankings table. a promising outside prospect going into every A stable presence on last season’s Swatch-FIVB World Tour event. Tour, this powerful pair reached a couple of quarterfinals, (in Germany and France) while managing to make the round of 16 three times (in Japan, Italy and at the Team results 2003: World Championships in Brazil). The highlight Rhodes, GRE – 25th / Gstaad, SUI – 17th / Berlin, GER – 5th / for team Pohl-Rau, however, was their spectacu- Stavanger, NOR – 25th / Marseille, FRA – 5th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 17th / Osaka, JPN – 9th / Lianyungang, CHN – 9th / Milan, ITA – 9th / lar triumph at the European Championships in Los Angeles, USA – 5th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 9th . 33

Name: Vassiliki "Vasso" Karadassiou Age (birth date): 06.01.1973 Height: 182 cm Hometown: Athens

Name: Efrosyni "Efi" Sfyri Age (birth date): 08.11.1971 Height: 180 cm Hometown: Athens

GRE Greece’s Efi in the province of Evrytania while her playing part- Sfyri and Syfri and Vasso ner, Sfyri, hails from Piraeus. Both players are Karadassiou Volleyball converts having enjoyed success at jun- Karadassiou have been Beach ior and senior level for the Greek national side. Volleyball partners Indeed Sfyri and Karadassiou continued to com- since teaming up in pete at both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball disci- 1994. The 2004 Athens plines until 1998 when a decision was taken to Summer Games repre- concentrate solely on Beach and qualification for sents their second appear- the 2000 Olympics ance at the Olympics and Since joining forces on the sand, Sfyri-Karadassiou being one of the ‘home’ teams, have merged into the most successful Greek the pressure will be on to finish Beach Volleyball side ever. Dozens of domestic higher than the 17th place they titles combined with admirable performances on managed at Sydney four years ago. the FIVB World Tour have raised the profile of this Both players initially took to the Beach team which has an outside chance of being among Volleyball courts with different teammates the medals at the 2004 Olympic Games. at the 1994 Panhellenic Championships. In fact, it wasn’t until the middle of that ’94 season that Syfri and Karadassiou decided to forge their now famous partnership. Team results 2003: Karadassiou, an Athens Philosophy School gradu- Rhodes, GRE – 5th / Gstaad, SUI – 25th / Berlin, GER – 25th / Stavanger, Norway, NOR – 17th / Marseille, FRA – 25th / ate, was born in the Greek capital in 1973 but Klagenfurt, Austria, AUT – 5th / Osaka, JPN – 5th / Lianyungang, made her home in Roska, a small mountain village CHN – 5th / Milan ITA – 25th Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Rebekka Kadijk Age (birth date): 16.06.1979 Height: 175 cm Hometown: Rotterdam

Name: Marrit Leenstra Age (birth date): 18.10.1973 Hometown: Amsterdam

NED Any team The Dutch girls’ main asset is their versatility. Kadijk that goes Where most teams have a tall player dominating all the way at the net while their smaller, more agile team- and Leenstra in a Swatch- mate takes care of the backcourt, Kadijk and FIVB World Tour Leenstra differ. They are both of a similar stature event deserves and build and both equally proficient on the spike the utmost of or the dig. respect and that’s While Kadijk has plenty of World Tour experi- just what Dutch duo ence, making her debut in 1997 playing with Rebekka Kadijk and Debora Schoon Kadijk, Leenstra, an FIVB Marrit Leenstra have Women’s Athletes Representative, has only been been receiving from oppo- on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour since teaming up nents and fans alike since they with Kadijk. Their record since 2001 has been surprised all concerned by claim- improving year on year up to that first Swatch- ing gold at the 2003 Chinese Open in FIVB World Tour triumph last season and the Lianyungang. prospects of even better things to come in 2004 As the rain continued to dampen the tour- look very good. nament sands following the Netherlands’ win, a rain soaked and delighted Kadijk enthused: Team results 2003: "I've never heard the Dutch national anthem Rhodes, GRE – 9th / Gstaad, SUI – 5th / Berlin, GER – 5th / being played for us before so that was a special Stavanger, NOR – 9th / Marseille, FRA – 9th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 17th / Osaka, JPN – 17th / Lianyungang, CHN – 1st / Milan, ITA – 4th / moment, especially for my mum as it has always Los Angeles, USA – 17th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 17th been her dream," she said. 35

Name: Nicole Schnyder-Benoit Age (birth date): 13.03.1973 Height: 176 cm Hometown: La Neuveuille

Name: Simone Kuhn Age (birth date): 02.09.1980 Height: 183 cm Hometown: Lurern

SUI Nicole when they managed to reach the quarterfinals. Schnyder-Benoit Schnyder- Schnyder-Benoît and Kuhn have grown into a Benoît and combination where their different styles compli- and Kuhn Simone Kuhn ment a quick and agile game plan. The strong, have been a solid fast 176cm tall Benoit is the older of the two at 31 combination on the and is a stickler for absolute preparation. Kuhn, Swatch-FIVB World at 183cm, is responsible for the block and despite Tour since they formed her young years, she has plenty of experience a partnership in 2000. having started playing Volleyball at 16 when she Heading into their first represented the Swiss national team. Olympic Games, the Swiss Problems with the Swiss Volleyball team meant Beach Volleyballers are Kuhn was forced into a career rethink and she renowned for their skills in tackling opted to try her hand at Beach. the elements and should the wind “It was frustrating to put oneself through so pick up around court, expect wry smiles much work in Volleyball and then never fulfill on the faces of these talented ladies. your ambition,” she said. “There are only two Although their overall results aren’t earth people who are after the same goal (in Beach shattering they have shown some superb quali- Volleyball), so that is much more motivating”. ties through the years which have helped the duo Team results 2003: leap up the Swatch-FIVB World Tour rankings. Rhodes, GRE – 25th / Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 9th / They have competed in two World Stavanger, NOR – 17th / Marseille, FRA – 17th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 25th / Championships, but it was the most recent in Osaka, JPN – 5th / Lianyungang, CHN – 4th / Milan, ITA – 5th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 5th 2003 in Rio de Janeiro that the pair stood out Women’s Top Participating Teams

Name: Kerri Walsh Age (birth date): 15.08.1978 Height: 192 cm Hometown: Saratoga

Name: Misty May Age (birth date): 30.07.1977 Height: 182 cm Hometown: Long Beach-CA

USA Despite outside hitter for the United States National Walsh having Volleyball team, including a visit to the Sydney only teamed Olympics, helping them to finish fourth. and May up in 2001 May also started in Volleyball, leading her State Kerri Walsh team to victory over Walsh’s side in 1999, but and Misty May while both come from a strong Volleyball ground have developed it is Beach where they have really made their into one of the most mark, with Walsh’s strong game at the net giving potent pairs on the May plenty of time to control the back court. Swatch-FIVB World Tour, claiming 11 World Tour titles from only 28 starts over two years. After winning the World Tour teams title in 2002, the two Americans finished second behind Brazil’s Ana Paula Connelly and Sandra Tavares Pires Nascimento in the World Tour rankings in 2003 but will be one of the favourites for the title and Olympic honours this year. While May had started playing on the Team results 2003: Rhodes, GRE – 3rd / Gstaad, SUI – 1st / Berlin, GER – 4th / World Tour in 2000 with Holly McPeak, Walsh Stavanger, NOR – 2nd / Marseille, FRA – 1st / Klagenfurt, AUT – 1st / was completing the last of two seasons as an Los Angeles, USA – 1st / Rio de Janeiro, BRA – 1st 37

Name: Holly McPeak Age (birth date): 15.05.1969 Height: 170 cm Hometown: Manhattan Beach CA

Name: Elaine Youngs Age (birth date): 14.02.1970 Height: 183 cm Hometown: Durango COLORADO

USA Following a might prevent her from playing a full term. McPeak formidable Although they did not know each other very well 2002 Beach and considered themselves friendly rivals, the and Youngs Volleyball season offer was one McPeak did not decline. in which they An unquenched desire to keep improving through amassed a jaw hard work on and off the court cannot be good dropping win-loss news for the duo's opponents. "I break down my ratio of 82-6 on the inter- game every off season and I’m not afraid to national and American change," said the former U.S. national Volleyballer domestic circuits, things Youngs. While her partner McPeak noted, "I'm in seemed to have somewhat tai- the gym every day, I can't think of one part of my lored off for Holly McPeak and game that I don't need to improve on. That's what Elaine Youngs. drives me." It was always going to be a difficult "She's great to play with and a super-talented ath- task defending three titles, however, lete," said McPeak of her partner. “She loves to appearing in just one final in 2003 will have win. There are a lot of great athletes out there, but irked this pair to such an extent that they will her will to win makes her better than the rest. She want to remind the skeptics of just how good they is also a great setter and just makes playing my can be on the 2004 Swatch – FIVB World Tour. game easier". About a month before that aforementioned 2002 season began, Youngs gave McPeak a call about a Team results 2003: Gstaad, SUI – 9th / Berlin, GER – 2nd / Stavanger, NOR – 4th / possible partnership as she was concerned that Marseille, FRA – 9th / Klagenfurt, AUT – 4th / Los Angeles, USA – 9th / her then partner's (Barbra Fontana) back injury Rio de Janeiro, BRA - 5th Men’s World Rankings

2003 (15 tournaments) 1 Ricardo Santos- Emanuel Rego BRA (Gold IIII, Bronze I) 2 Marcio Araujo-Benjamin Insfran BRA (Gold III, Silver I, Bronze I) 3 Martin Laciga-Paul Laciga SUI (Silver I)

2002 (12 tournaments) 1 Martin Conde-Mariano Baracetti ARG (Gold II, Silver I) 2 Marcio Araujo-Benjamin Insfran BRA (Gold I, Silver III) 3 Jose Loiola-Ricardo Santos BRA (Gold III, Silver I, Bronze I)

2001 (18 tournaments) 1 Emanuel Rego-Tande Ramos BRA (Gold IIII, Silver I, Bronze IIII) 2 Martin Laciga-Paul Laciga SUI (Silver IIII, Bronze II) 3 Martin Conde-Mariano Baracetti ARG (Gold III, Silver II, Bronze I)

2000 (18 tournaments) 1 Ze Marco de Melo-Ricardo Santos BRA (Gold IIII, Silver IIII) 2 Martin Laciga-Paul Laciga SUI (Gold I, Silver II, Bronze III) 3 Jose Loiola-Emanuel Rego BRA (Gold IIII, Silver I, Bronze III)

1999 (17 tournaments) 1 Jose Loiola-Emanuel Rego BRA (Gold IIII II, Silver II, Bronze I) 2 Ze Marco de Melo-Ricardo Santos BRA (Gold IIII, Silver III, Bronze III) 3 Guilherme Marques-Rogerio Para BRA (Silver IIII, Bronze III)

1998 (18 tournaments) 1 Guilherme Marques-Rogerio Para BRA (Gold IIII, Silver I, Bronze II) 2 Jose Loiola-Emanuel Rego BRA (Gold IIII, Silver II, Bronze II) 3 Martin Laciga-Paul Laciga SUI (Gold I, Silver I)

1997 (12 tournaments) 1 Emanuel Rego-Ze Marco de Melo BRA (Gold IIII, Silver II, Bronze II) 2 Guilherme Marques-Rogerio Para BRA (Gold II, Silver II) 3 Paulao Moreira-Paulo Emilio Silva BRA (Gold I, Bronze III)

1996 (17 Tournaments) 1 Emanuel Rego-Ze Marco de Melo BRA (Gold IIII, Silver, Bronze III) 2 Jan Kvalheim-Bjorn Maaseide NOR (Gold I, Bronze III) 3 Guilherme Marques-Rogerio Para BRA (Gold I, Silver IIII)

1995 (18 Tournaments) 1 Franco Neto-Roberto Lopes BRA (Gold IIII III, Silver II, Bronze II) 2 Emanuel Rego-Ze Marco de Melo BRA (Gold IIII, Silver IIII, Bronze III) 3 Jan Kvalheim-Bjorn Maaseide NOR (Gold I, Silver I, Bronze II)

Note: Includes World Championships, World Tour, Olympic Games and Challenger and Satellite events Women’s World Rankings 39

2003 (13 tournaments) 1 Ana Paula Connelly -Sandra Pires BRA (Gold IIII, Silver IIII) 2 Misty May-Kerri Walsh USA (Gold IIII, Silver I, Bronze I) 3 -Adriana Behar BRA (Silver IIII, Bronze IIII)

2002 (11 tournaments) 1 Misty May-Kerri Walsh USA (Gold IIII, Silver III, Bronze I) 2 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold II, Silver III, Bronze I) 3 Kerri-Ann Pottharst-Natalie Cook AUS (Silver II, Bronze IIII)

2001 (14 tournaments) 1 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold IIII II, Silver IIII, Bronze I) 2 Sandra Pires-Tatiana Minello BRA (Gold I, Silver II, Bronze I) 3 Elaine Youngs-Barbra Fontana USA (Gold II, Silver II, Bronze III)

2000 (14 tournaments) 1 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold IIII, Silver III, Bronze I) 2 Holly McPeak-Misty May USA (Gold III, Silver IIII) 3 Annett Davis-Jenny Johnson Jordan USA (Gold I, Silver II, Bronze I)

1999 (11 tournaments) 1 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold IIII I, Silver I) 2 Annett Davis-Jenny Johnson Jordan USA (Gold I, Silver II, Bronze I) 3 Sandra Pires-Adriana Samuel BRA (Bronze I)

1998 (10 tournaments) 1 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold IIII I, Silver II) 2 Sandra Pires-Adriana Samuel BRA (Gold II, Silver II, Bronze II) 3 Holly McPeak-Lisa Arce USA (Gold I, Bronze III)

1997 (9 tournaments) 1 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold II, Silver III, Bronze II) 2 Adriana Samuel-Monica Rodrigues BRA (Gold III, Silver I, Bronze I) 3 Holly McPeak-Lisa Arce USA (Gold II, Silver IIII, Bronze I)

1996 (12 tournaments) 1 Sandra Pires- BRA (Gold IIII I, Silver II, Bronze I) 2 Shelda Bede-Adriana Behar BRA (Gold II, Bronze IIII) 3 Adriana Samuel-Monica Rodrigues BRA (Gold I, Silver IIII, Bronze I)

1995 (11 tournaments) 1 Sandra Pires-Jackie Silva BRA (Gold II, Silver IIII, Bronze IIII) 2 Nancy Reno-Holly McPeak USA (Gold IIII I, Bronze I) 3 Kerri-Ann Pottharst-Natalie Cook AUS (Silver)

Note: Includes World Championships, World Tour, Olympic Games and Challenger and Satellite events Countdown to the Athens Olympics

The greatest sporting event of our era will take place in Athens, Greece when the Olympic Games begin on August 13th. The Beach Volleyball com- petition will run from August 14-24 with the top 24 teams from both genders doing battle in a Improvements on Sydney 2000, itself a memo- pool play format followed by single elimina- rable Beach Volleyball success, include all tion, a similar system to which had been matches being played on centre court where used on the Swatch-FIVB World Tour in teams will play a minimum of three matches and 2002 and 2003. night sessions, which will be scheduled for each day of the 12-day competition. Other initiatives Swatch-FIVB World Tour events include two giant video walls providing live feeds, organized before July 13, 2004 will alternate men's and women's matches as be part of the Olympic qualification opposed to single-gender sessions, the addition process, which started in of two Beach Volleyball courts open to the public, January, 2003. The best eight and an area for sponsor's stands, which will bor- results of each pair based on der the eight training courts. The FIVB and ATHOC World Ranking points including are also pleased to implement entertainment to the results of the recognized create a top Beach Volleyball atmosphere. Continental finals will be used to determine the best 24 teams per gender (with a maximum of two teams per country) to take part in the Beach Volleyball competition at the Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre, which holds 10,000 people. All con- tinents will be granted a vacancy if not already quali- fied and teams from more than 60 countries will take part in the qualifying process. Olympic Beach Volleyball numbers 41

Women: Gold: Jackie Silva and Sandra Pires (Brazil) Silver: Mônica Rodrigues and Adriana Samuel (Brazil) Capacity of the Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre: Bronze: Natalie Cook and Kerri-Ann Pottharst 10,000 seats, (4,300 permanent, 800 under cover) (Australia) Number of courts: 11 (8 training courts, 1 main arena and 2 courts for spectators) 2000 Sydney Olympics: The top 24 men’s and 24 women’s teams competing Total number of teams: 24 men and 24 women. in a 10-day event on Bondi Beach in a stadium Total number of athletes: 48 men and 48 women. holding 10,000 fans. Total number of matches: 104, comprising of A total of 180,000 spectators attended the event. 52 men's and 52 women's matches. Medalists Men: Travel time from Olympic Village: Gold: Dain Blanton and Eric Fonoimoana (USA) 35 minutes in special motorway lane. Silver: Zé Marco and Ricardo Costa (Brazil) Weather in August: Bronze: Jörg Ahmann and Axel Hager (Germany) Mean daily max/min temperature: 33.20 C / 20.70 C Women: Burn time: Gold: Natalie Cook and Kerri-Ann Between 11:00-17:00 Pottharst (Australia) Silver: Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede 1996 Atlanta Olympics: (Brazil) 24 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams competing Bronze: Sandra Pires and Adriana on Atlanta beach in a 10,000-seat stadium. More Samuel (Brazil) than 107,000 spectators took in the six-day compe- tition. Some 600 athletes representing 42 countries took part in the Olympic qualifying process.

Medalists: Men: Gold: Karch Kiraly and (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) Rules for you

Beach Volleyball is best known for its tension, excite- ment and drama and the rules are remarkably simple, making the game universally popular also as a recre- ational 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. A team winning a rally scores a point – The Rally Point System Other rules include; the ball can touch any part of the The serving player must be alternated every time this body, each team has three alternate hits between the occurs. two players to return the ball and one cannot catch or There are NO determined positions on the court. throw the ball. Two players can touch the ball at the same time but when two team mates do, it counts as two hits (except Here are a couple of extra pointers just to help you if blocking). enjoy the game even more. If there is a “held ball” by two opponents over the net it is NOT considered a fault. The match is won by the team that wins two sets. A player may enter the opponent’s court provided they A set is won by the team that first scores 21 don’t interfere with the opponent’s play. points first with a minimum margin of two The game continues if a ball served by a player touches (except in the deciding 3rd set). In the case the net. of a 20-20 tie, play is continued until a two- point lead is reached. So the next time you head to one of the glamour spots on In the case of a 1-1 tie, the deciding set the international calendar to take in the fun and passion is played to 15 points (not the usual 21) of Beach Volleyball remember; it’s a simple game. Why with a minimum lead of two points. not grab a ball and try it yourself!

Court Layout Referees’ Hand Signals 43

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16

7- BALL TOUCHED Brush with the palm of one hand the fingers of the other, held vertically. 8- BALL "IN" Point the fingers towards the court. 9- HELD BALL Slowly lift the forearm, palm of the hand facing upwards. 10- DOUBLE CONTACT Raise two fingers, spread open. 1- AUTHORISATION TO SERVE 11- FOUR HITS Move the hand to indicate the direction of service. Raise four fingers, spread open. 2- COURT SWITCHES 12- NET TOUCHED BY A PLAYER Raise the forearms front and back and twist Touch the top of the net or its side, accord them around the body. ing to the fault. 3- TIME-OUT 13- REACHING BEYOND THE NET Place the palm of one hand over the fingers of Place a hand above the net, palm facing down the other, held vertically (forming a T). wards. 4- MISCONDUCT WARNING 14- ATTACK-HIT FAULT Show a yellow card for warning. Make a downward motion with the forearm, Show a red card for penalty. hand open. Red / Yellow: expulsion / disqualification. 15- INTERFERENCE BY PENETRATION INTO THE 5- SCREENING OPPONENT'S COURT Raise both arms vertically, palms forward. Point to the center court. 6- BALL "OUT" 16- DOUBLE FAULT AND REPLAY Raise the forearms vertically, hands open, Raise both thumbs vertically. palms towards the body. FIVB TV Exposure and Property

Television Properties Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball = new markets and opportunities An annual global series of events that is staged 2004 Swatch-FIVB World Tour = in famous locations starring athletes from over 60 countries who compete for Olympic qualification, 7-month calendar prize money and world ranking. 5 continents 25 tournaments (14 men and 11 women) World Championships present by Swatch Over USD $5,000,000 in prize money Staged every two years, the World Championships The best Beach Volleyball players in the world feature the brightest stars of the Swatch-FIVB World Tour. Next one to be held in Germany, 2005. On-site spectators = 500,000+ Volleyball Cumulative potential TV audience = over 1 billion World Championships 2003 Swatch-FIVB World Tour Overview Staged every four years, the World Championships are the most important of all Footage distributed to 205 territories worldwide; Volleyball competitions as they incorporate a global qualification process that climaxes with a More than 510 hours of television coverage grand finale of the best 24 teams in each gender.

700 minutes and 425 excerpts of news material; World League Created by the FIVB in 1990, the World League is Primary distribution targeted to a potential an annual showcase for the sport. Live television audience of 171.9 million people; audiences join spectators on site to watch the best men's national Volleyball teams competing Exposure of events reached through for prize money amounting to US$13,000,000. This International Distribution – Live, Live year’s Final Round will be held in Italy in July. Delayed & Highlights. World Cups The road to the Olympic Games commenced with the World Cups in November 2003, an event that showcases the very best 12 men's and women's teams in the world from each continent.

World Grand Prix The annual competition for women continues to break new ground for women's sport. This year the Preliminary Round will be held in Asia with the Final Round in Italy in July. Ecoflag 45

Since joining forces in 2003, the FIVB and the Global Sports Alliance (GSA) have been flying the flag for environmental awareness through sport across the beaches of the world. At every event on the Swatch–FIVB World Tour in 2004 in a special ceremony in Japan in 2003 for the the GVA’s “Ecoflag” will be seen fluttering in outstanding work of the FIVB in raising envi- the breeze reminding people of the importance ronmental awareness among players, specta- of a healthy and clean environment. tors and sponsors during Volleyball and Beach Volleyball World Tour in recent years. The GSA is an organization that is fully commit- ted to raising environmental awareness "Our sport has a social responsibility to con- through sport and they already have agree- tribute to protecting the world's most valuable ments of cooperation with the International commodity, the environment,” Dr Acosta Olympic Committee and the United Nations said. “The FIVB has the vision that sport Environmental program (UNEP). can make a significant contribution to the development of individuals and The Ecoflag program encourages people to nations by taking sustainable enjoy healthy outdoor sports through avenues actions in favour of the environ- such as Beach Volleyball and promotes activi- ment and passing on simple ties that incorporate avoiding waste, conserv- but meaningful social mes- ing power, sharing transport, recycling etc. sages to the youth of our The Ecoflag symbolizes the commitment to the 218 affiliated countries environment of sports enthusiasts and every- and territories". one who knows the importance and irreplace- able nature of the water, air and greenery that surrounds us.

Their link with UNEP allows the FIVB to extend its policy of working with the United Nations agencies to help promote the UN Secretary- General’s program of Sport for Peace and Development.

FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta received a unique one-off award, the Prince Takamado Memorial Prize for environmental excellence, FAQ’S

Do men and women receive equal prize money? Yes

Is it true women must play in ? They don’t. Women have the option of playing in a one or two piece playing uniform in all FIVB events. and the captain is responsible for the coin toss among Is the net and court the same size for other things. Beach Volleyball as in Volleyball? Yes, 2.43m for men and 2.24m for women. Is a ball on the line in or out? In

Why isn’t mixed Beach Volleyball Is the ball the same as Volleyball? No, it is heavier and played? Firstly the net is at a differ- bigger in order to be slower for greater control. ent height for men and women and secondly, the speed of which the When was Beach Volleyball introduced to the game is played differs between Olympic Games programme? In its debut at the the two sexes, however the Olympics Beach Volleyball was a sold out event at the FIVB does not exclude the pos- 1996 Atlanta Games sibility of mixed Beach Volleyball being played to Are players professional or amateur? Top world enjoy the sport. ranked players are professional

Is Beach Volleyball always Who are the legends of Beach Volleyball? played on beaches? No. You Men: , , Karch Kiraly, Gene will see some venues locat- Selznick, Loiola, Emanuel ed in the middle of town Women: Jackie Silva, Kerri-Ann Pottharst, Karolyn squares, amongst the Kirby, Natalie Cook, Sandra Pires mountains, ports and holi- day resorts while the FIVB What do the signals mean in Beach Volleyball? allows some national and Signals are meant to coordinate a strategy between continental tours to be players. One index finger behind the back means the played indoors. blocker will take the line parallel to the outside of the court while the player at the back covers the diagonal Do Beach Volleyball teams angle. Two index fingers means the blocker takes the have captains? Yes. Usually diagonal while the player at the back covers the shot indicated on the score sheet down the line. Growth Plan 47

• Improve the World Championships, Grand Slam, and Open concepts while jointly supporting all The 2004-2008 Growth Plan other events to build up the new generation of play- ers (Challenger, Satellite, World Gala, Junior World Championships, Continental Championships, National Tours, and Exhibitions). • Grow the interest and commercial value of Beach Volleyball at all levels to boost the number of events, • Set up Beach Volleyball courts on the most beau- prize money (US$ 10,000,000 per season) and tiful beaches, in the most famous cities, and in the strengthen the brand of the sport. most glamorous inland multi-sports resorts

• Generate additional opportunities for more athletes • Continue to work closely with the IOC and OCOG to become professional and globally recognized. to organize successful Beach Volleyball tourna- ments at the Olympic Games. • Develop throughout the affiliated national Volleyball Federations, professional national tours • Preserve the integrity of the sport and keep it as and national team programs. drug-free for the benefit of future generations.

• Set-up a calendar over eight or nine months in five • Maintain Beach Volleyball as a unique continents with five or six Grand Slam events, 40 educational and developmental tool for Men’s and Women’s Open tournaments and 40 other today’s youth types of events. • Continue to involve Beach • Increase the TV distribution, promotion, and media Volleyball in most international coverage worldwide. multi-sports events to establish it as the most popular sum- • Continue to work closely with the IOC and OCOG to mer sport ever. organize successful Beach Volleyball tournaments at the Olympic Games

• Maintain and enlarge the successful sponsorship programs of the FIVB properties to both enhance the awareness of Beach Volleyball and sponsors’ expo- sure nationally and internationally.

• Provide promoters with the expertise of the finest FIVB Officials and guarantee the communication of all relevant information to the parties concerned. FIVB Contacts Details

FIVB Av. de la Gare 12 1003 Lausanne Switzerland

Phone: +41 21 345 35 35 Fax : +41 21 345 35 45

FIVB President Dr Rubén Acosta

FIVB General Manager Mr. Jean-Pierre Seppey E-mail: [email protected]

FIVB Beach Volleyball Coordinator Mr. Angelo Squeo E-mail: [email protected]

FIVB Press Delegate Mr. Paul Bryan [email protected]

FIVB Press and Communications E-mail: [email protected]