The 2007 SWATCH FIVB World Tour and SWATCH FIVB World Championships. An important season for the coming Olympic Games!

The SWATCH FIVB World Tour is a property that becomes more important year after year, promoting Beach Volleyball with excellence and a unique show. Thanks to the huge crowds that follow the tournaments, the sport enjoys increasing live TV coverage and increasing interest from the world’s media.

In 2007, the SWATCH FIVB World Tour has an added importance: it will be a fundamental preparation season for the athletes as they look ahead to the World Championships in Gstaad, Switzerland and the 2007/2008 Olympic qualification season that will culminate in the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing. The points earned during this qualification period, including the World Tour, World Championships and recognized Continental Final Championships, will count towards the final Olympic Ranking, which will decide which teams go to Beijing. This makes every point count.

First launched in 1989 with three competitions, the SWATCH FIVB World Tour this year has scheduled 35 tournaments in no less than 19 different countries with total prize money of 8.75 million US dollars and incredible media coverage! In addition to the numerous Open events, which offer a broad-based platform for Beach Volleyball worldwide, the schedule also includes four solid Grand Slam tournaments for both genders that are attracting a large audience.

2007 is also a World Championship year and will see the SWATCH FIVB World Championships powered by 1-to-1 Energy come to the mountains of the FIVB’s home country for what is sure to be a spectacular tournament, given the organiser’s excellent experience of staging Open and Grand Slam events. The SWATCH FIVB World Championships will also offer valuable points for the Olympic Qualification and a season-high 1 million US dollar prize money.

The 2007 SWATCH FIVB World Tour also heralds some important changes. In addition to the long-term support of SWATCH and MIKASA as FIVB partners, we are happy to welcome DESCENTE as the new official sportswear supplier for the SWATCH FIVB World Tour and SWATCH FIVB World Championships. DESCENTE has undertaken a major commitment to our organization that includes providing uniforms for players, delegates, officials and tournament staff. DESCENTE’s commitment is also an expression of support for the FIVB and its fast-growing properties.

The SWATCH FIVB World Tour success has only been possible thanks to many people who work so hard to make the tournaments possible, who I wish to thank for their tremendous efforts.

Get involved, keep the ball flying! 

Dr. Rub'en ACOSTA H.

FIVB President