26/02/2017 15:03
Czech beach and indoor legend Lebl gives two thumbs up to Snow Volleyball
2017 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour
Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic, February 26, 2017. One of the best spikers in Czech indoor Volleyball history and a Beach Volleyball Olympian from Sydney 2000, Martin Lebl, is certainly one of the attractions at the 2017 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour stop in Špindlerův Mlýn. Although he is in the official role of a National Federation Delegate, his stellar status, enhanced by his imposing stature, is something he cannot escape from. Still, what draws the most attention is the exciting sport of Snow Volleyball, and it is what Lebl is focussing on right now.
Having made his successful sports career in both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, Martin Lebl is quite familiar with the innovative snow discipline. He even played Snow Volleyball three years ago at the tournament in Wagrain-Kleinarl, as he remembers himself.
“Since then the Tour has made a huge progress. I am very glad it is now the official tour of the CEV, because this is bringing so many people from different backgrounds that we would not be able to attract to Volleyball before. I think it’s great!” he says.
During his indoor career as a middle blocker, the 201-cm-tall Martin Lebl got several Best Spiker individual awards at various major international competitions. Now his playing career is over, but he is staying in sports, though in an administrative function. About four months ago, he was appointed Head of Beach Volleyball at the Czech Volleyball Federation and as such, he is responsible for Snow Volleyball as well.
He is attending the event in Špindlerův Mlýn as a National Federation Delegate and is sharing his thoughts on the development of Snow Volleyball in his country: “We are very happy that such a big number of Czech players are taking part here, in Špindlerův Mlýn. It really shows that the Czech Republic is a snow country, where all snow activities are very popular. So I am really sure that Snow Volleyball will find its place.”
“Domestic Snow Volleyball competitions in the Czech Republic are still a little too far in the future. What we are focussing on now is to give as much help as we can to the promoters of Snow Volleyball. The organisers Chaka2 and Martin Kaswurm, whom I have known for several years now, are doing a great job. I am very happy for that. We are providing some administrative support and every help we can to make things work. There is a close cooperation between us and I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers for a really good event. Being part of the European Tour is very important to our federation. It provides for great media coverage and shows Volleyball in a different environment. As far as a local tour is concerned, this is something we have to work on. I can see more potential in bringing school kids to take part in this event and try it out,” continues Lebl.
To the question whether the Snow Volleyball event in Špindlerův Mlýn will continue to happen in the years to come, the former athlete replies: “The ski resort of Špindlerův Mlýn is very happy with this event. Many teams are participating, and a lot of people are watching, and we are happy as a federation. So all the pieces of the puzzle are in place and the show should be going on here in the future as well.”
Martin Lebl is quite realistic about the future success of Snow Volleyball internationally. “Unfortunately, all winter games are limited to the countries where conditions for practicing winter sports are available. However, within that basket of winter sports countries, I think Snow Volleyball is going to be a big success. I really hope we can see it at the Olympics one day…”
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