IT IS ALL IN THE MIX
Nestea European Championship Tour 2005
It is all in the Mix
At the Spanish Open 2005 presented by Comunidad Valenciana two successful sports meet and get along just fine
Valencia/Zurich, 12 July 2005: Where ever Beach Volleyball is played,
sailors are not far away. Both sports have in common that they are
performed wherever the ocean, great weather, beaches and an excited
crowd are. So it was not surprising that Patrick Magyar was also among
the fans at the Spanish Open 2005 presented by Comunidad Valenciana and
enjoyed the exciting matches as VIP Guest of Global Sports Marketing,
the sports marketing company responsible for the promotion and
marketing of the NESTEA European Championship Tour. Patrick Magyar (42)
is one of two Managing Directors of the “Alinghi”, the first European
vessel to win the prestigious “America’s Cup” in 2003. The “Alinghi”-
Project – equipped with a four-year budget of around 100 million Euros
– moved its centre of operation to Valencia this spring for a two-year
stay. In addition Patrick Magyar is the president of the Swiss Track
and Field Federation.
A: Magyar: …But unfortunately it is the first time I have been on the beach in Valencia, although I have lived here since January 2005. My tasks as marketing expert for the “Alinghi” have prevented me from becoming a Beach Volleyball expert as well.
Q: What are the ties between sailing and Beach Volleyball?
A: Magyar: Both sports require teams that have perfect fine-tuning. It is always a mix of physical strength, technique and the right feeling for the situation that makes the difference.
Q: It is common knowledge that Switzerland is very successful in both sports. Is that unusual for a country of the Alps?
A: Magyar: A lot of people unfortunately often forget that Switzerland is a country of many lakes that always have beaches as well. After New Zealand we are the nation with the most boats per citizen in the whole world. Around seven per cent of Swiss people sail. That is two per cent more than in Germany or in Italy for example. You should come to our lakes, you will find Beach Volleyball courts everywhere.
Q: Although Volleyball is not one of the most successful sports in Switzerland?
A: Magyar: Sure Volleyball is not a top sport like football. It is also difficult to find six good players as the foundation for a good team. It is a little easier in Beach Volleyball, because you only need two good players. Beach Volleyball goes swell with us Swiss.
Q: In sailing two persons are not enough. You need a greater number of top sailors in the team to be successful.
A: Magyar: We have 34 athletes on the entire team and they work on two boats, 17 people on each. By the way, “Alinghi” has a multicultural group with 120 employees from 20 nations. That is typical for Switzerland, too.
Q: Will we experience your stars at Beach Volleyball some time?
A: Magyar: Maybe it will work out in 2006. Our people are interested in all sports and I can well imagine that they will one day face off in Beach Volleyball against a Spanish sailing team or the stars from the NESTEA European Championship Tour.
The stage is set to implement this exciting plan during the Spanish Open 2006 that is planned for early July 2006 at Playa de las Arenas in Valencia.
 Press Release (PDF) |
Background information on the NESTEA European Championship Tour
The NESTEA 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 NESTEA 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 NESTEA 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 NESTEA 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 8970.
 |
 |
 |