Cyprus returns to the world stage of international beach volleyball this year when it hosts the FIVB U21 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. The 14th annual double-gender age group event will be held from July 22 to 27 in Larnaka as the FIVB now has an unprecedented four age-group World Championships for beach volleyball held annually.
While the Cyprus Volleyball Federation has hosted several FIVB Challenger and Satellite events, this will be just the second event held in Larnaka as the city presented the 2012 FIVB U19 World Championships which were won by a men’s tandem from Poland and a women’s duo from Lithuania.
Larnaka is the third largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus behind Nicosia and Limassol. It has a population of 72,000 and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort. The island's largest airport, Larnaka International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city to the south. The city is well known for its picturesque seafront, which includes rows of palm trees. Larnaka Marina is one of the four official entry points, by sea, to Cyprus.
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The age-group FIVB World Championships have historically seen many of the young stars of today building their experience level to advance up the ladder in international competition. This year’s 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour for professional athletes will include 10 FIVB Grand Slam events, a new FIVB Grand Slam Final and at least nine FIVB Beach Volleyball Open events.
The format of all the FIVB Beach Volleyball international tournaments – whether pro or age group FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, FIVB Beach Volleyball Grand Slam or FIVB Beach Volleyball Open – are the same, featuring pool play followed by single elimination knockout rounds.
