13/03/2016 18:18
Kufa/Matyja and Poszmikova/Vojtiskova claim gold at first, historic CEV Snow Volleyball event in Špindlerův Mlýn
2016 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour
Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic, March 13, 2016. An electrifying atmosphere and world-class performances were the major highlights of the historic Snow Volleyball tournament, the first of that kind officially sanctioned by the CEV, held on Saturday and Sunday at Svatý Petr ski area in Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic.
Almost a hundred professional and amateur players from several countries fought for the medals and the prize money at stake, with more than 2,000 people visiting the venue of the tournament throughout the weekend.
“Snow Volleyball is still young but the enthusiasm so far shown by the organisers of these events and also by all participating players makes us believe that it will be growing very fast and that this is only the beginning of a long, fascinating journey,” CEV President Aleksandar Boričić says.
The Czech and Slovak duo consisting of Silvia Poszmikova and Zuzana Vojtiskova topped the women’s podium after edging Italy’s Greta Cicolari and Giulia Toti in the final match 22-20, 9-15, 15-10, thereby securing the fictional title of ‘Queens of the Snow’ at the end of a tournament starring 14 teams. As for the men’s tournament that was joined by 25 pairs, the title of ‘Kings of the Snow’ deservedly belongs to Robert Kufa (CZE) and his Polish partner Michal Matyja after they edged David Lenc and David Kufa of the Czech Republic in the final match (13-15, 15-11, 15-10).
The Czech Republic is the fifth country so far that has had the opportunity to host such unique Volleyball event played on snow. Over the last four years international tournaments were held in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Špindlerův Mlýn, the most popular ski resort in the Czech Republic hosted a Snow Volleyball event for the second time this year. The premiere had taken place in March 2015 and the event was very enthusiastically received by fans, players and media alike, thus laying the foundations for a ‘remake’ 12 months later.
The qualification round was held on Saturday, and this was open to anybody being self-confident and brave enough to play Volleyball on an icy and snowy surface. The best eight men’s and four women’s teams participated in the final stage of the tournament that followed on Sunday.
The 2016 edition of the CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour takes place from mid-March until early April in three locations surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy, which guarantees amazing conditions and accounts for breath-taking sceneries. Therefore, it is not a surprise that a number of professional players have decided to take up the challenge and register for the events.
The main sponsor of the tournament is Amway. This company plays an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle combining movement with a balanced diet and it does so also by supporting the organisation of the 2016 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour.
The Tour consists of the following stops:
March 12-13, 2016 – Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic – Svatý Petr Valley Station
March 19-20, 2016 – Wagrain-Kleinarl, Austria – top of the Flying Mozart lift station
April 2-3, 2016 – Kronplatz / Plan de Corones, Italy – Kronplatz peak
Click here for complete results of the competition held in Špindlerův Mlýn
More news and information about the tour, registration procedure, participants, videos and photos can be found on www.snowvolleyball.com
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