It seems like the AVP (USA’s Beach Vball governing body who has filed for bankruptcy a few months ago) has found a SURVIVING TWIN SISTER and that is Beach Volleyball New Zealand! NZ Beach face$ a tough season ahead…
Volleyball New Zealand has terminated it’s long-running contract of event promoters SMC group last month over a financial dispute. So now, the beach players will need to start using their savings to pay for travel and accommodation costs but the tourney fee will be waived so they can save a few dollars for coffee. But the worst part is that…the tourneys will either offer less prize money or NO PRIZE MONEY at all. We’re not kidding!
(image from life.com)
On a positive note, VNZ still plans to organize international beach events next year and they’re just waiting for the FIVB to officially sanction their events. A few international beach teams from Holland and Germany are planning to play.
(image from zimbio.com)
Here’s the 2011 calendar:
- The New Zealand Open and tour finale will be in Mt Maunganui on January 21-23.
- The penultimate event at the new rowing complex at Lake Karapiro between 18-20 January.
- An event in Hamilton from January 15-17 – either at the Te Rapa courts or a show court near the city.
- A fourth tournament is planned, though unconfirmed, for Auckland between 5-7 January at the Mairangi Bay courts.
To READ the FULL Article, click HERE and to WATCH the NEWS VIDEO, click HERE.
We’re still glad the beach vball program in NZ has not unfolded like the AVP and we’re optimistic that they will fix the financial issues by filing for bankruptcy soon in time.
Side Dish: Australia’s Beach Volleyball Tour has been discontinued. Sucks!