30/09/2020 09:00
Montenegro ready to host #EuroVolleyU17W even in coronavirus times
CEV U17 Volleyball European Championship 2020
Podgorica, Montenegro, September 30, 2020. The President of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro (OSCG), Cvetko Pajkovic (pictured), says the city of Podgorica and the local community are ready to host the 2020 edition of #EuroVolleyU17W. The competition will start on Thursday, October 1, in the Montenegrin capital – and Mr Pajkovic is confident that, despite the many challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the Balkan country will be a good host.
The home side will contest the Pool I matches together with the national teams of Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Slovakia. Pool II features Belarus, Poland, Romania, Russia and Serbia – with Germany withdrawing from the competition due to travel and other restrictions imposed because of the pandemic.
Despite the many challenges the Organising Committee has had to deal with, Pajkovic is adamant that by implementing the CEV Hygiene Guidelines and respecting the measures set by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), the tournament will run as smoothly as possible.
“Knowing the situation in our country, in the region, but also in Europe and across the world, we are happy that the championship will be taking place and that there will be Volleyball matches. I wish all the teams a warm welcome to Podgorica and Montenegro and good luck. I am sure that we will enjoy quality Volleyball,” said Pajkovic.
2000 Olympic champion Igor Vusurovic is the Organising Director of the event due to take place in Podgorica
The Organising Director of the championship, 2000 Olympic champion Igor Vusurovic, reminded that Montenegro and the Volleyball Federation, after seven years, again have the honour of hosting an age-group continental competition – after previously doing so in 2013. “What the Federation has done, I am sure, is more than enough to guarantee a successful tournament. All participants are satisfied with the conditions and ambiance in the halls. What is not in our favour is the situation with COVID-19, but by respecting the IPH measures, I believe that everything will be fine to this extent,” he said.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic champion said that the organisers have received only words of appraisal from officials and teams. “I expect a good atmosphere and a quality tournament, which will confirm the ability of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro to organise major competitions and position it even better on the international stage,” he added. Moreover, Vusurovic invited all participants to follow the CEV and IPH guidelines as strictly as possible.
OSCG Secretary General Ivan Boskovic addressed the media in Podgorica on the eve of the #EuroVolleyU17W tournament opener
The Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, Ivan Boskovic, said that the awarding of this championship to the Balkan country is the best confirmation of how much CEV appreciates the OSCG’s work. “Due to the current situation, we have demanding procedures to follow in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. All players and members of the delegations will have to undertake COVID-19 tests upon arrival, and that will be a pre-condition to participate in the championship. We have made sure that all people associated with the tournament will follow the CEV procedures and IPH recommendations at the hotels as well as in the arenas. We will do everything to make sure the championship runs as smoothly as possible. All participants must take it seriously and respect all measures in place, so that we can enjoy good Volleyball,” said Boskovic.
Unfortunately, due to the restrictions in place in the Balkan country, no spectators will be able to follow the matches from the stands. “Many thanks to the volunteers for their support. We owe much gratitude to both the IPH and the local authorities for donating masks and disinfectants,” Boskovic concluded.
The matches will be taking place at the Verde Sports Centre and the University Sports and Cultural Centre in Podgorica.
Click here for further information.
|