Victoria, Australia, December 13, 2016 – The City of Shepparton in Victoria will host the return of world-class beach volleyball to Australia in 2017, it has been announced on Tuesday.
Volleyball Australia has confirmed the Federation Internationale De Volleyball (FIVB) World Tour will come to Shepparton on the weekend of March 3-5 next year, and again in 2018 in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
It is the first time an event of this standing has come to Australia since March, 2008.
“This is going to be a big event for beach volleyball in Australia, and we are incredibly excited to be bringing it to the vibrant sporting community of Shepparton,” Volleyball Australia CEO, Mathieu Meriaux, said.
“We would like to thank the Greater Shepparton City Council and the Victorian Government for their vision and enthusiasm.
“We are certain this is going to be the start of a long partnership between Volleyball Australia and the City of Shepparton.”
The $20,000 event is certain to attract many of the best male and female players in the world, including the best helloworld Volleyroos.
Two temporary purpose-built courts and a warm-up court will be constructed, and a 600-seat grandstand will be erected at the Victoria Park Lake precinct.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem said he is excited for Greater Shepparton to host a leg of this worldwide event.
“On behalf of Council I thank Volleyball Australia, the Victorian Government and Council’s major events team for bringing this event to Shepparton. This is a great opportunity for our region to showcase Greater Shepparton on a world scale, further enhancing our profile as a leading major event destination in regional Australia.
“The event will see around 3,000 spectators per day spending time and money in Greater Shepparton, a great boost to our business and visitor economy sectors,” said Cr Adem.
Shepparton Show Me Chairman Simon Quattrocchi was looking forward to the event. “We are proud to be able to support this iconic opportunity which will bring a much needed stimulus to the local business community, helping create more jobs for locals and keeping the economy strong.”
Minister for Sport John Eren said the Victorian Government was pleased to secure the event for Shepparton.
“Having international beach volleyball stars competing in Shepparton is sure to inspire local youngsters to follow in their footsteps and embrace healthier and active lifestyles.”
“This won’t just be a great sporting spectacle for locals to enjoy, it will be a big boost to the local economy as businesses around the region welcome new opportunities thanks to more visitors.”
“There are some of the reasons we are proud to be supporting the event through our Significant Sporting Events Program,” Minister Eren said.
Australian beach Volleyroos, Joshua Court, said having the chance to play in a world-class tournament in his own backyard was an incredible opportunity.
“Because of Australia’s isolation we have to spend much of the year travelling around the globe if we want to compete with the best,” Court said.
“To have the best actually coming to us, and to have the opportunity to take beach volleyball to a new part of Australia, is great for our sport.
“I personally can’t wait to get to Shepparton next year. We all know how passionate the City is about sport, and we know they will host a first-class event.”