In early April Chemik POLICE will be hosting the Final Four tournament of this year’s CEV DenizBank Volleyball Champions League – Women. The Polish Volleyball Federation and Chemik POLICE applied to organise the finals of the most important European club competition in women’s Volleyball and their bid was eventually successful. The very best teams of the Old Continent will arrive in Szczecin for the first time in history.
Today’s decision by the CEV is a token of trust which the Confederation has in Poland and also a sign of appreciation for the club of Chemik POLICE which is making this year its comeback to international competitions. The Final Four in Szczecin, which will be held on April 4-5, is a fantastic opportunity to promote Polish women’s Volleyball. The matches will be played in the splendid Azoty Arena – a venue which fulfils all conditions to host such prestigious event.
“We are confident that this Final Four tournament will be a huge success,” says CEV President André Meyer. “As shown by last year’s Men’s World Championship, Poland is a real Volleyball Mecca and any major event taking place there is always likely to turn into a terrific success. The Final Four coming up in Szczecin will add another chapter to the success story we share with the Polish Volleyball Federation and the local Volleyball community. We look forward to an outstanding and perfectly organised Final Four and to experience once more Poland’s passion and enthusiasm for our sport.”
“We are happy that the Final Four will be held in Szczecin. It is a very high-profile event that will have a positive impact on the image of both the city and of women’s Volleyball in Poland. Once again we are the host for this kind of elite event – that is another reason for our satisfaction,” said Andrzej Lemek, Polish Volleyball Federation Vice-President and Secretary General.
As the host of the final tournament, Chemik POLICE has a guaranteed a spot among the best four clubs without the need to take part in the Playoffs. This way, the team will be able to prepare better to compete against the top teams in Europe.
“I believe that Azoty Arena’s inauguration during the match with the current champions – Dinamo KAZAN – left quite an impression on the CEV officials. A victory in front of a full house of spectators and a great organisation proved that our club, Police and Szczecin are ready to fight for the highest goals and not just in sport but also in organising tournaments of the highest calibre. The Final Four is a great chance to promote the club and the city. We are happy that the Polish Volleyball Federation supports us on this,” said Joanna Zurowska, CEO of Chemik POLICE.
This will be the sixth Final Four tournament held in Poland, including the men’s competition. It will also be the second final of the women’s Champions League organised in the country. The previous one took place in 2003 in Pila. Chemik POLICE will find itself among the best teams of Europe for the second time. It will be the fifth Polish women’s club to compete against the top sides from the Old Continent for the highest honour in the sport. The last Polish women’s team to go that high in the Champions League – back then still Champions Cup – was Nafta-Gaz PILA which finished fourth in 2000. In the 1960’s AZS AWF WARSZAWSKA finished second twice and in the 70’s Start LODZ took the bronze medal – also twice.
The Final Four in Szczecin will be a chance for a third triumph by Polish Volleyball star Malgorzata Glinka-Mogentale. Chemik’s star player already won that trophy in 2011 and 2013 with her former team, Turkey’s VakifBank ISTANBUL.