The Polish city of Włocławek is preparing for its “biggest international-level sporting event” according to Mayor Marek Wojtkowski as the city prepares to welcome the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in just under a month’s time.
The Polish city of Włocławek is preparing for its “biggest international-level sporting event” according to Mayor Marek Wojtkowski as the city prepares to welcome the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in just under a month’s time.
Pool D2, which will see the hosts take on 2015 Group 3 winners Kenya as well as Puerto Rico and Argentina, will take place in Włocławek from June 10-12, with the contract for organization of the tournament officially signed at City Hall on Wednesday.
Mr Wojtkowski was joined by Polish Volleyball Federation president Paweł Papke alongside Ryszard Ciłłki - president of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship Volleyball Association, players of the local volleyball team - Włocławek Sports Association, and many representatives of local media.
“It is going to be the biggest international-level sporting event in Włocławek so far. Polsat TV’s broadcast will reach fans not only in Poland, but also in many countries in Europe and around the world, which, as the city mayor, I find especially pleasing,” Mr. Wojciechowski explained. “TV spots featuring Włocławek will be aired before the matches and promotion through sports is perhaps the best promotion you can get.”
A special Fan Zone will also be organized with a giant screen for the fans to view the events at the Champions Hall.
“I am happy that our rejuvenated team, led by coach Jacek Nawrocki, will have the pleasure to play at the new Champions Hall,” Mr Papke added. “I would like to thank Mr. President and his associates for deciding to engage in promoting volleyball. It is not a secret that I personally know Mr. President, both of us having worked in the Parliament during its last term. We played football together and I also know that he is an avid fan of basketball - hence my even greater satisfaction in convincing him to take interest in volleyball. He is a true man of sports.”
The event will also have a focus on the development of future stars of the game, with the Macro-regional Finals of Volleymania, held alongside the Champions Hall.
Orlik Volleymania is the only tournament with mixed teams of boys and girls, and the matches played on a the grass,” Mr. Ciłłki said. “In Włocławek the tournament will take place on the weekend, two weeks before the World Grand Prix. These events are a proof that this city is very open towards sport and volleyball on both top and grassroots level.”
Poland hosted the World Grand Prix 2015 Group 2 Finals in Lublin last year, with the hosts eventually downed by the Netherlands in the final.
