WVBF Protour 2009 Presented by Cornèrcard in Catania

"Swiss Victory and amazing finals near the Etna"
(Lausanne the 14 September 09) After the huge success of the Swiss legs (Vevey and
Lugano), the Beach Volleyball World Championships Protour presented by Cornèrcard under
the auspices of the World Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Federation (WVBF in the text), the
only world volleyball institution which respects and fully implements the ethical principles of
the International Olympic Committee (IOC): democratic elections by secret ballots, financial
transparency and development, has put its bags in the heart of Sicily for the very expected
stage of Giarre / Catania. A junior World Cup U20 won by Franchesca CANEDO and Pamela
FRIAS from Bolivia took place just before the main event, new evidence of the WVBF’s
involvement for Young people around the world.
The female victory finally came in two sets to the Brazilian pair composed of Edilma COSTA
and Angie GONZALES against the American pair Liz PAGANO and Noel FRHOMAN after
an amazing 3 sets final. For the third time in a row, the bronze medal goes to Bolivian
Claudia PAVISIC and Johanna BALLDERAMA who fought their young compatriots
Franchesca CANEDO and Pamela FRIAS in classification game.
The men’s tournament has been won by an « European » team composed of Swiss player
Bernhard VESTI and Spanish player Sergi TEN against Slovenian team Gregor LAH and
Marko STERLE in a one way street final (21/16 ; 23/21). The podium is completed by the
excellent Brazilian pair composed of Josemar JUNIOR and Andre BRITO.
The Beach Volleyball Italian Federation President Vittorio SILVESTRI thanked sponsors and
political authorities for the assistance provided: "I warmly thank the city of Giarre and
Catania province forthe huge financial and logistical support they provided. I would also like
to thank all the sponsors without whom the event would not have been possible"
WVBF President Jean - Pierre SEPPEY congratulates President Silvestri’s team for the high
organization quality. He particularly thanked the fact that the Italian Federation had made the
effort to organize a Junior World Cup: "I warmly thank President Silvestri’s team which has
consented to this critical effort, another showcase of our institution’s commitment in term of
youth development through sport. In fact, in view of the talent of these young athletes, there
is no doubt that some will play soon at the highest level."
The European Protour legs are now completed. Athletes will now enjoy a well deserved rest
before starting next winter Emirates Protour finals preparation.