WVBF Protour 2009 Presented by Cornèrcard in Vevey (Switzerland)

"A successful first edition"
(Lausanne 17 August 09) Since the first edition in Lugano in 2007, the Beach Volleyball World
Championship Protour presented by Cornèrcard under the auspices of the World Volleyball and
Beach Volleyball Federation (WVBF in the text) has once again put his bags in Switzerland for
the WVBF Protour first leg in Vevey. The event took place on the mythical market place, the
Europe largest open area. 7 women's teams and 8 men's teams from all over the world have
been competing for four days with a glorious sunny weather and in front of thousands of
spectators.
The female victory came in 2 sets to the American pair composed of Pagano (already winner of
several stages in 2007 and 2008 Protour) and Frohman before the Brazilian Costa and Gonzalez
after a superb final. The podium is completed by the Bolivian Pavisic and Balderrama who beat in
the small final the Italian pair Pino and Pietrucci.
The male tournament has been won by the Slovenian team composed of Strele and Lah who
defeated the Brazilian Brito and Santos Junior in a one-way street final. We welcome the
outstanding performance of Gregor Lah who is also a WVBF Board of Directors member and the
WVBF Beach volleyball players’ representative. The match for the third place was much more
competitive and was won in three sets by the pair composed of Vesti, Switzerland, and Ten,
Spain. We have to note the presence for the first time of an entirely Swiss team composed of
Shoeb and Dougoud who took the 5th place of the competition.
The event has shown the WVBF commitment to promote sport promotion especially among
children and teenagers. The WVBF is the only world Volleyball and Beach Volleyball institution
who respects and fully implements the International Olympic Committee (IOC) fundamentals:
democratic elections by secret ballots, financial transparency and development. WVBF
spokesman, Kelly Sprunger, states on the success of the clinics held daily from 10am to 12am:
"not less than thirty children played for free during 5 days to learn Beach volleyball. In accordance
with WVBF values and development principles, each child received a balloon, a t-shirt and
something to eat during and after exercise."
The WVBF President, Jean-Pierre Seppey, thanks the organizing committee chaired by Charles
Weber and all the volunteers who worked hard and well the week long: "There is no word to
describe the devotion displayed by the team led by Charles Weber. I would also like to thank the
city of Vevey and Jean-Marc Bryois, Head of Sport. Thanks also go to Boissons Riviera’s
Chairman Mr. Bernard Bapst, who provided with an exceptional support and who believes in us
since the beginning of the adventure. Finally on behalf of the World Federation, I thank all the
partners and the sponsors who make this event possible.»
T
he festival ended with a touching message by the Mayor of Vevey, Mr. Laurent Ballif, who
confirmed the city support for future editions.
Photos: www.photos-people.ch; www.sportinforiviera.ch