“The European Championship Tour is an excellent initiative and will continue to expand”
European Championship Tour 2004
Interview with Roland Arnold, Managing Director Mikasa Europe
Zurich/Zug, 07 April 2004: Beach Volleyball players need three ingredients to pursue their passion: sand, a net and especially a ball. Nothing goes without this tool. Volleyball players put their trust in a long tradition and rely on a proven partner. Ninety years ago, Mikasa was founded in Hiroshima, Japan, and has since then become the symbol of quality Beach Volleyballs. “We’re proud to be able to say that we are the market leader when it comes to balls”, Roland Arnold (33), Managing Director for Mikasa Europe, says. Mikasa has found a niche in Beach Volleyball and is the Official Tour Supplier for competition balls of the European Championship Tour 2004. In addition, there will be a ball created solely for the European Championship Tour with the Official Tour Logo. In the following interview, Roland Arnold speaks about this partnership.
Mr. Arnold, what sports is Mikasa actively involved in?
Roland Arnold: Other than Volleyball and Beach Volleyball where we
are proud to be the market leader, we are also involved in all top water
polo events including the Olympic Games. Our balls are also used in
numerous international Basketball leagues. We are planning to become a
lot more active in this sport with new products in Germany. In addition,
the successful expansion into our “Volleyball Team Uniform”– project is
in discussion. We are also involved in international indoor Football
with our “Futsal” balls. Mikasa footballs are especially present in
Asia, Africa and South America.
How has the Volleyball market in Europe- indoor as well as beach -
developed recently for Mikasa?
Roland Arnold: Although we
have recently seen numerous low quality goods from China, Thailand and
Japan reach the European market, Mikasa Europe has been able to expand
its market position significantly. We are experiencing a strong trend
towards high quality products. People have realised that it is worth to
pay more for a premium product to get higher durability on the
Volleyball court. This also corresponds with Mikasa’s Vision. We are
committed to the sport of Volleyball, the countless players, as well as
the international federations like the FIVB and the CEV, promoting this
wonderful sport with the best products. Next year we will be launching
new volleyballs with new technologies and new materials.
What are your expectations for your engagement with the European
Championship Tour?
Roland Arnold: There was a kind of
vacuum between the World Tour and the National Tours. When the World
Tour leaves Europe for Asia, the United States, or South America, there
was not much international competition left in Europe. The European
Championship Tour closes this gap and will bring young talent to
international attention. This Tour is an excellent initiative and I am
more than optimistic that it will continue to expand further! Our
supplier agreement with the CEV runs until 2008 and both sides have
declared their interest to further intensify this partnership. It is
also fun to work with André Meyer (note: CEV President) and his team.
And above all, there is not much to say about Beach Volleyball: It is
just great! What we have been able to accomplish in this area in the
past years is phenomenal. And this will continue.
Is Beach Volleyball being considered more and more attractive than
Indoor Volleyball?
Roland Arnold: Some Volleyball
traditionalists may not agree but I see Volleyball and Beach Volleyball
as two different disciplines of the same sport. On the one hand there is
a different kind of athletes, on the other hand there are different
technical and tactical aspects. Still, I believe that both disciplines
are learned indoors. But the entire discussion that Beach Volleyball
could be a competition for Volleyball should stop. On the contrary, I
think the one helps the other and the two get along very well. Our
society is becoming more and more individualised – that is what all team
sports have to deal with.
What does Mikasa’s product range look like in Beach Volleyball?
Roland Arnold: Generally we offer products in the “high end” and “fun”
area. The “middle-class” area, pertaining to balls, could be more
advanced in my opinion. But we are working on this in the upcoming
season. In addition, we have become active in the area of “trendy beach
wear.” I just returned from our design department in Hong Kong and
reviewed their work for the 2005 collection. What we will be seeing is
great and simply “super sexy”! We will be introducing brand new
technical components for Beach Volleyball attire, focusing on health and
comfort for the athletes. You just cannot have beachers playing in
fitness outfits. Just imagine Oliver Kahn wearing swimming trunks at
work!
Background information on the European Championship Tour
The
European Championship Tour is the highest ranked series of European
Beach Volleyball tournaments that promotes the sport and its star
players on a European level. The series of tournaments culminates into
the European Championship Final as the season’s highlight.
For further information please visit www.eurobeachtour.com and/or contact the Communication Managers of the European Championship Tour Klaus Wegener and Felix Meininghaus at communications@eurobeachtour.com.
Background information on the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball
The CEV is the FIVB supporting institution responsible for governing 54
National Volleyball Federations throughout Europe and is recognised as
such by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) for
Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. The CEV has the authority and
responsibility for organising all European Competitions, especially the
European Championship Tour (Men & Women).
For further information please contact the CEV Head Office in
Luxembourg, Olivier Mottier at
olivier.mottier@cev.lu or
+ 352 25 46 46 25.
Background information on Global Sports Marketing Ltd. (GSM)
GSM is dedicated to the development and implementation of innovation in
sports and entertainment. The company positions and markets
international sports and entertainment properties on behalf of the
respective rights-holders. Besides, it offers all services related to
the marketing of commercial rights - media, sponsorship and
licensing/merchandising rights as well as development of sports brands.
GSM, based in Zurich (Switzerland) develops, promotes and markets the
European Championship Tour within a long-term partnership with the
European Volleyball Confederation CEV.
For further information please contact Global Sports Marketing,
Christian Scholbrock at
christian.scholbrock@gsmglobalsports.com or +41 43 244 9977.
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