08/09/2015 16:28
Iconic location and elite players for inaugural Milan Masters
2015 CEV Beach Volleyball European Championship - Milan Masters
Milano, Italy, September 8, 2015. The 2015 edition of the CEV Beach Volleyball European Championship will come to an end next week with the inaugural men-only Milan Masters which is due to take place in Italy’s second largest city from September 18 through 20. The much-anticipated event and final stop of this year’s European Championship was presented on Tuesday morning in Milan in a press conference attended by the President of the Italian Volleyball Federation, Carlo Magri, by the President of Lombardy, Roberto Maroni, and the Regional Minister for Youth and Sport, Antonio Rossi, a multiple Olympic and world champion in canoe sprint. This trio was joined on stage by 2015 European silver medallist Alex Ranghieri who will compete in Milan alongside his regular partner Adrian Carambula.
“This Beach Volleyball tournament will be one of a kind,” Mr Magri said, “especially because of the very unique and iconic location. The matches will be contested in a venue which is half-outdoor, so to speak, and for us – especially as we have been organising Volleyball events outdoors lately – this is something new and different that we are willing to explore. I am also happy that such an elite tournament is going to take place here in Lombardy, a region which has already hosted a number of world-class events, including the final stage of last year’s Women’s World Championship, which is still being cherished by many fans. I am hoping that this will be only the first edition and this event will be organised again for years to come. That said, I would like to thank the local authorities for their support in helping us deliver this event.”
“I share Mr Magri’s pride and am happy that our region is so much involved in the organisation and delivery of elite sporting events and I am confident that the Milan Masters will live up to this status,” President Maroni said. “On the other hand, we feel honoured that our city has been chosen by the Italian Volleyball Federation to host this tournament. We will be as supportive as we can in order to make this event a success.”
“I can’t wait to play and to perform here,” 2015 European silver medallist Alex Ranghieri said. “This location reminds me of the one which used to play host to the Grand Slam in Berlin. It’s going to be a great tournament, with many top teams set to enter the competition. I am really curious to play here and eager to see how Adrian will be able to adjust his skyball under these specific conditions. What makes the difference here, compared to all other venues we have been to so far, is that there is a roof,” he said with a bright smile.
“We welcome back Volleyball after the great experience we had with last year’s World Championship,” Antonio Rossi said. “Volleyball is at home here in Milan and it is one of the most important sports in our region, especially if you look at the number of licensed players. Our goal is to make sure that the local youngsters can follow and witness the actions of Europe’s elite players and get inspired by them. Sport can be instrumental to the development of our society and for this reason we are extremely proud of hosting events like the Milan Masters.”
The Main Draw of the Milan Masters will feature 16 players battling for € 25,000 prize money and valuable FIVB ranking points. Two courts will be set up on the square right in front of the iconic building which hosts the premises and offices of the Lombardy government.
Click here for further information on the 2015 Milan Masters
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