Kristiansand, Norway, August 20, 2014. The upcoming stars of European Beach Volleyball are ready to live their first steps towards glory in the 2014 CEV Under 18 European Championship to be held in Norwegian city of Kristiansand. The hopes and dreams of the young participants taking part in the competition will capture the attention of the sport this week, while presenting an unique opportunity for them to shine at international level.
Sixty-two teams from 29 countries live with excitement the previous hours to their debut in the competition, scheduled to start on Thursday morning. Their first steps over the sand of Gimle Sandbaner Sports Center in Kristiansand will represent in some cases the introduction to main international competition for most of the youngsters; Therefore, the enthusiasm of the debut constituted the shared feeling among the future stars of the sport. This sense was the general sentiment during the Technical Meeting that served as the official opening of the competition.
CEV Jury President Maria Helena Ooms-Van der Berg welcomed all the participants on behalf of CEV President, André Meyer while reminding the young players to enjoy their first contact with major international competitions. “I hope this first experience for most of you will be a good one, as it will be the one you will always remember”, said Ooms-Van der Berg. “To be here in this prestigious tournament is very important for you, so enjoy your days here, try to have good matches and I hope to see the best teams on Sunday”, added the CEV Jury President.
Meanwhile, CEV Supervisor Herwin Brillemans reviewed the particularities and distinctiveness of the tournament, and conducted the instructions that were formulated in order to guarantee that the best conditions for the tournament were met, while wishing the best to all participant teams. “I sincerely hope you have a good competition; You all have trained a lot and I know that all of you want to give your best this weekend”, said Brillemans.
The local organizers, spearheaded by Norwegian Volleyball Association Beach Volleyball coordinator and National Federation delegate, Beate Sødal hoped for a nice stay in Kristiansand for all delegations and wished the best of luck to all the teams. “It is our first time hosting age continental tournaments, as we have organized senior international competitions before, and we hope that everyone enjoys their time here”, comented Sødal. “Not everyone can win but everyone can do their best. As for us, we will do our outmost so this tournament will be the a great experience for all of you”, added Tournament director, Aslak Brekke.
The action will commence on Thursday morning with the Pool play matches. The young participants will aim for glory in four exciting days of competition that will live its highlight during the weekend and will end on Sunday with the celebration of the Finals.
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