As the second biggest beach volleyball competition after the Olympic Games and a qualifier for Rio 2016, the Netherlands welcomed record attendance at the most spectacular FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship yet. The FIVB, organisers and promoters put on an explosive show and – with teams from host nation the Netherlands and the hosts of next year’s Olympic Games reaching the finals, the energy and passion created a truly electric atmosphere in the Hague’s iconic floating stadium.
The new format for the 2015 edition of the competition involved four host cities for the first time – attracting a record total attendance of 106,000 fans from around the world who guaranteed packed-out stadiums at every single match across the Netherlands.
President Ary Graca commented on the competition, “This year’s World Championships have exceeded all expectations. The organising committee, Dutch Volleyball Federation and promoter set a spectacular stage for our athletes with a unique four city concept and the buzzing atmosphere created by the world’s best fans in full-capacity stadiums provided the players with a fantastic stage to perform on.
“This has been the best ever FIVB event in the history of beach volleyball with great organisation, fantastic matches, excellent crowds and teams from all around the world. I would like to congratulate TIG and NEVOBO for the outstanding results of this tournament which has taken beach volleyball to another level.
“The participation in 2015 from teams, media, volunteers and fans has broken records – creating an unstoppable energy throughout the host nation. I am delighted to have brought this signature event to the Netherlands and I thank them for their government’s full support and for their perfect organisation of our biggest beach volleyball championship yet. They really have set a new benchmark for future hosts – particularly those that will be bidding for the competition in 2017.
“This event has triggered a new era for beach volleyball – redefining sport as dynamic family entertainment, and I look forward to capitalising on this momentum on Copacabana Beach for the competition of a lifetime in 2016.”
