USA, Canada, Cuba and Mexico to represent NORCECA at BVB World Championships

USA, Canada, Cuba and Mexico to represent NORCECA at BVB World Championships

HAMBURG, Germany, March 18, 2019 – FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° today addressed German media at the kick-off press conference in Hamburg, the host city of the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships which is set to begin on June 28.

Teams from USA, Canada, Mexico and Cuba will represent NORCECA Confederation in both genders via the corresponding quota.

The field of 48 teams is composed by 20 from the five confederations, 23 from the FIVB rankings, two guaranteed for the host national federation and three wild cards.

Comdirect Bank AG and Aldi were announced as the two presenting sponsors for the 10-days Championships, as Germany continues to lead the way in raising the professional standard of beach volleyball in the country.

President Dr. Ary Graça was joined by the Senator for Internal Affairs and Sports of the City of Hamburg Andy Grote, as well as President of the German Volleyball Federation René Hecht and CEO of the Beach Majors Company Hannes Jagerhofer. German national team players Laura Ludwig, Margaret Kozuch, Julius Thole and Clemens Wickler were also in attendance.

Speaking at the press conference, President Dr. Ary Graça said:

"I am really looking forward to the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships here in Hamburg and I expect am sure this event is going to be a huge success. Both Hamburg and Germany have all the attributes to host an amazing Championships: impressive hosting credentials, an iconic venue, passionate fans and most importantly, a great beach volleyball tradition and incredible athletes. Reigning Olympic and World Champions Laura Ludwig and the recently retired Kira Walkenhorst are prime examples alongside the 2012 Olympic Champions. Julius Brink and Jonas Reckermann."

"It is the second time Germany will host the Championships, following Berlin’s staging of the 2005 edition. I am sure this year’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships 2019 presented by comdirect & ALDI Nord will draw lots of attention, particularly as the winners of both the men’s and women’s events will secure a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for their country."

Ninety-six women's and men's teams (48 per gender) from all continents will compete in Hamburg at the famous 13,200-capacity Am Rothenbaum Stadium for the prestigious title and an overall prize money of $1 million.