Moscow, Russia, May 12, 2015 - A press conference looking ahead to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Moscow Grand Slam 2015 was held on Tuesday in the Russian capital. The first of five Grand Slam events this year will take place at the Vodniy Stadium from May 25-31.
The press conference was attended by tournament director Ilya Volodarsky, players of the Russian national beach volleyball team, as well as by representatives of the event's partners and sponsors.
"We are very pleased to stage one of the biggest international beach volleyball events for the eighth consecutive year. Thanks to the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, Moscow Sport Committee, the Russian Volleyball Federation, the All-Russian Beach Sports Association, all our partners and sponsors. Due to the difficult economic situation in the country, the preparation of this year's event was particularly difficult, but in the end, as in previous years, we have managed to put in place almost all of our plans. As always, the Moscow audience is expecting an unforgettable event, with the best athletes in the world. We have prepared a lot of surprises for the fans - beach parties, contests - including trips to a five star hotel in Turkey - autograph sessions and more. Thanks to the FIVB for the opportunity to host the strongest athletes in the world in our capital. I have no doubt that in 2015 we will again be able to organise one of the best World Tour events."
The General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Moscow - Marina hotel Uwe Kunz explained that a new hotel was built specifically for the beach volleyball Grand Slam in Moscow. "In 2015, we are finally able to host all the guests and participants of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Moscow Grand Slam. I want to believe that cooperation with beach volleyball will be long and successful," said Mr Kunz.
Acai Co are official partners of the tournament. Commercial Director Tatiana Lonskaya said: "Acai berry is a natural product which exceeds blueberries and grapes for its antioxidants content. Top athletes from Brazil, including Brazilian footballers who currently plays in the Russian Premier League, as well as famous beach volleyball players from Brazil are constantly using Asai products and very satisfied with them. In 2015, all the guests and participants of FIVB Moscow Grand Slam will have an opportunity to try Asai absolutely free and recharge their batteries for the tournament. We are looking forward to a full stadium from May 25 to 31," said Ms Lonskaya.
Russian national team athletes Olga Motrich and Daria Rudykh - who took silver last week at an EEVZA zonal event in Belarus - are also looking forward to the home tournament.
"Of course, the opportunity to play at home is a unique one. This year we received a gift from the organisers and FIVB - a wild card that gives us a right to start from the main draw. We want to justify the trust and to please family and friends. Points that will be earned in Moscow are supposed to help us qualify for other FIVB World Tour stops and will also help us in the Olympic qualification process," said Rudykh.
The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Moscow Grand Slam event will be held from May 25-31. The tournament will start on May 25 with Country Quota matches. A total prize fund of $800,000 will be distributed to the event participants.