#EuroVolleyU19W a major success even in coronavirus times

Zagreb, Croatia. After less than a week since the 2020 edition of #EuroVolleyU19W ended in Osijek and Zenica, words of appraisal come from all sides involved in the organisation and delivery of such a high-level tournament in the current challenging conditions.

Despite the many challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic, the Croatian Volleyball Federation and the Volleyball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support provided by the CEV, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the City of Osijek, managed to deliver – and did so with success – the first international Volleyball competition since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Three weeks ago, at a press conference held in Osijek, we announced to the Croatian public the organisation of #EuroVolleyU19W. On that occasion, we presented a new concept for the organisation of international Volleyball competitions, in accordance with a special COVID-19 protocol. We discussed a number of measures and activities planned for the event in order to protect the safety and health of athletes and all persons involved in the organisation, but also to prevent the spread of the virus in the local community,” says Valentina Bifflin, Secretary General of the Croatian Volleyball Federation. “Despite this, the Croatian public was divided in their opinions about the organisation of such a competition, emphasising the high risks of spreading the virus and referring to the previous sporting events that had unfortunately ended badly. Although we knew that we would give our best effort and respect very strict measures, no one could guarantee the eventual outcome, due to numerous factors that we cannot influence,” she continues. 

Officials prepared to attend the medal ceremony in Zenica in compliance with COVID-19 protocols 

“However, we are happy that our efforts paid off and that the competition went smoothly. Today we are pleased to look back and thank all colleagues from Osijek, who participated in the organisation, especially the City of Osijek, the Institute of Public Health of Osijek, all the staff from Gradski vrt hall and the staff from Hotel Osijek, with whose help the project was a big success. Knowing that this was the first international Volleyball competition since the coronavirus outbreak, thus followed closely by the entire European Volleyball community, I am immensely happy that Croatia showed the world that with hard work everything is possible, even in the most complicated conditions. The example from Osijek and Zenica has become the model to follow for all European competitions. I would also like to commend the athletes and the staff who participated in the tournament as an example to all other athletes. We are witnessing new infections from the virus in sports on a daily basis, but without self-discipline, it is very difficult to ensure safe conditions. For the benefit of the sport, organising competitions and enabling all young people to continue playing sports in these unusual times, we should not allow people to perceive sports and arenas as potential coronavirus hotspots. Therefore, take care of yourself first, so that we can all together ensure the survival of sport. The Croatian Volleyball Federation has shown that this is possible,” Bifflin concluded. 

?Young volunteers showed full compliance with the hygiene protocols in place during the event 

“We are very happy with the smooth running and high-quality delivery of the U19 women’s championship in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We acknowledge that the organisers had a difficult challenge to deal with but they showed much determination and a lot of enthusiasm since the very beginning of their preparations, working hard to deliver a championship of the highest standards in a safe environment for all involved. The European Volleyball family is grateful to the national federations of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for their commitment as well as to the local authorities for their support. We believe that they have set an example for other federations and organisers to follow in these difficult times we are all living in,” says Özkan Mutlugil, CEV Vice-President and Treasurer, who was also the #EuroVolleyU19W Jury President.

From August 22 to 30, nine European teams battled for the title of U19 European champions in Osijek and Zenica. Turkey eventually claimed the gold medal, defeating Serbia 3-2 in the final, while Belarus grabbed the third place, after edging France in the bronze medal match. Turkish outside hitter Ipar Ozay Kurt received the award for the Most Valuable Player of the competition and featured in the Dream Team along with teammates Lila Sengün (setter) and Gülce Güctekin (libero). The teams representing the host nations, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, finished the competition in seventh and ninth place, respectively. Because of COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the national teams of Germany, Italy and Russia had to withdraw from the tournament. 

?Team Croatia finished the competition in seventh place after edging Slovakia in their last match of the tournament 

“Given the overall situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very challenging to organise such a high-level tournament. In coordination with the relevant epidemiological services, the Croatian Volleyball Federation and CEV, we delivered the tournament to the highest possible level while preventing any potential spread of the virus among the staff, players and all involved. In the end, it proved to be very successful, as the tournament ran smoothly. Special thanks to the epidemiologists of Osijek-Baranja County, the chief epidemiologist Dr Kožul and the nurse Ana Plesa, who did so much work at the Gradski vrt hall in Osijek. Of course, I have to thank all the volunteers and all the participants in the tournament because they followed all of the instructions, which were extremely strict, allowing us to finish this tournament without facing any major problems,” said the official Croatian Volleyball Federation doctor, Aleksandra Perencevic.

Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
HOS – Croatian Volleyball Federation