2010 WUC Beach Volleyball Update: Opening Ceremony

ALANYA – Yesterday, June 15th the 1st General Technical meeting was held which was attended not only by the Heads of Delegation but also by almost all participants. Why? Because this meeting, instead of general information and the welcome speech of President of TUSF and President of OC prof. dr. Kemal TAMER together with CISCA Chair Ralethe Malumbete (RSA), the draw and seeding of the teams to the different groups according to the format of play was conducted.

Mr. Mark TENNANT (CAN), FISU Technical Chair for Volleyball and Beach Volleyball and Mrs. Kris DRAKICH (CAN), Assistant to the CT Chair lead all procedures witnessed by all athletes and coaches who where joined by all International and national referees. We can simply say that our technicians, together with the OC representatives, were well prepared to start this WUC in a professional way.

The Marching Parade of the DelegationsIn the evening, in the center of Alanya, the Opening Ceremony was staged in an excellent atmosphere in front of a mixed domestic and international audience, who are spending their vacation in this beautiful summer holiday city. After the welcome speeches of Mr. Kemal Tamer and Mr. Ralethe Malumbete, the Governor of Alanya, Mr. Hulusi DOGAN declared the 5th WUC Beach Volleyball open. For a young TUSF which has been founded in 1996, this WUC will bring again to young student-athletes a great sport atmosphere to enjoy not only the competition but also a terrific hosting of Alanya city, a genuine tourist destination. The Cultural program was chosen carefully involving student dancing groups to show their performance in Latin dance and traditional folklore. The participants really enjoyed this program and some of them even started dancing as well.

CISCA Chair Ralethe presents the Governor with a FISU souvenirAfter the Ceremony, the Heads of Delegation and FISU representatives were invited to the official welcome dinner hosted by the Mayor of Alanya Mr. Hasan SIPAHIOGLU, who unfortunately was excused at the last moment and was represented by the Sport Director of Alanya Mr. Saim KANLI. During the dinner CISCA Chair Ralethe Malumbete on behalf of FISU President George KILLIAN presented the Governor of Alanya, the OC President and the Mayor of Alanya (represented by his Sport Director) with a small appreciation from FISU as a souvenir for this WUC.

Today, the 5-day competition starts. The event can be followed via the FISU website and the OC website at www.wubc2010.org.

(Source: Milan Augustin, Director WU)

 Mark Tennant at the General Meeting

Kemal Tamer, TUSF President & FISU Assessor