Italy claim double gold at least Beach Volleyball event of 2021 season

The last Beach Volleyball competition of an exciting season took place this past week in southern France with Sausset-les-Pins playing host to a WEVZA zonal event, where two Italian teams eventually claimed top honours.

Even though hosts France had five out of the eight teams reaching the semis, the hosts had to be content with silver and bronze medals from the men’s as well as from the women’s competition.

The women’s tournament featured teams from France, Italy, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland. Eleonora Annibalini and Valentina Cali of Italy had to fight hard but ultimately claimed a 2-1 victory over France’s Elsa Descamps and Ophélie Lusson to secure the top spot of the podium. In an all-French bronze medal match, Anouk Dupin/Romane Zillhardt edged their compatriots Lilou Thieme and Clelia Roux to finish the competition in third place.

French youngsters Téo Rotar, who grew up in Sausset-les-Pins, and Arthur Canet made their way to the men’s final and enjoyed much support from the local crowd but eventually lost in straight sets to the experienced Italians Davide Benzi and Carlo Bonifazi, with another French team – Liam Patte and Tom Altwies – settling for third place.

The WEVZA event on the French coast did not involve up-and-coming international teams only, but more than 300 children as well – who obviously enjoyed their Beach Volleyball experience. The kids did familiarise with the environmental-friendly concept devised by the organisers of the tournament, which included the reduction of non-biodegradable waste, the use of locally sourced food and drinks and even an eco-friendly trophy for the winners as well.

The Organising Committee reports an economic benefit of some € 20,000 – and a truly impressive exposure through social networks, with more than 20,000 impressions for the videos shared on Instagram and more than 10,000 people watching the content posted on Facebook as well. Overall, this was a great experience for all involved and a nice way to cap a truly successful 2021 Beach Volleyball season!