South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Britain's first ever Beach Volleyball World Championship event will come to Brighton in September. Brighton and Hove City Council outlined plans for the SWATCH-FIVB Junior (Under 21) World Beach Volleyball Championships at a launch at Nivea Sun Yellowave Beach Sports Centre on 22nd April.

The championships, taking place 3-7 September 2008 will bring one of the most colourful Olympic sports to Britain for the first time, and are expected to attract high quality competition in the lead up to 2012. Athletes from around the globe, particularly Brazil, Australia and the USA, will hope to gain valuable experience of competing in Britain.

Councillor David Smith of Brighton and Hove City Council said: "We are delighted to be hosting the SWATCH-FIVB Junior (Under 21) World Championships. Beach Volleyball is a vibrant sport, attracting different cultures from all over the world to enjoy the sporting spectacle and the best of Brighton's hospitality."

The event takes place a week after the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, and begins the build up to 2012.

The tournament will benefit from an award of up to £185,000 from UK Sport's National Lottery backed World Class Events Programme.

Lisa Wainwright, Chief Executive Officer of Volleyball England said: "This is an excellent opportunity for sports such as Volleyball to prepare for the challenge of 2012 and 2014 by hosting significant events here in the UK.
Hosting the SWATCH-FIVB Junior World Beach Volleyball Championships in Brighton will give us the opportunity to demonstrate our capability to deliver an exceptional event. It will also help inspire future generations and encourage more people to try beach sports and get involved in volunteering to support our game."

As well as the sport receiving a significant boost, Brighton and the South East are expected to benefit from hosting the championships. Sue John, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Board Member commented:

"SEEDA is pleased to support the World U21's Beach Volleyball and welcomes the opportunity to showcase Brighton and the South East to an international market. This exciting national sporting event will create greater potential to boost economic growth and raise the profile of the area enabling us to maximise the sustainable opportunities that accrue."

The championship venue, Nivea Sun Yellowave will be developed make 3,000 spectator seats available throughout the competition. It has also recently been selected as an approved venue for beach volleyball training camps in advance of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nivea Sun has extended it's existing venue sponsorship to cover the event.
Rachel Jones of Nivea Sun commented: "We are delighted to continue working with Yellowave and be involved in the FIVB World Championships. These events help further raise the profile of beach sports in the UK, especially in the build up to 2012. NIVEA SUN Yellowave, and the events it hosts, is a great platform to help further people's awareness and positive attitudes towards sensible sun care in the UK and abroad."

Car brand Dodge is also confirmed as an event sponsor, providing investment and official vehicles. Simon Elliott, Managing Director commented "We're delighted to be involved in this exciting World Championship event. Beach Volleyball is a vibrant sport attracting a young diverse audience and fits with our objectives of offering distinction and something very different to our customers."

The event delivered in partnership with the FIVB, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Brighton and Hove City Council, UK Sport and Volleyball England.

For more information please contact Helen Gorman on 07739 456644 or Helen.gorman@perfectmotion.org .