Turkey, Champions of EuroVolleyU19W
Despite the ongoing coronavirus situation, the Croatian Volleyball Federation and Volleyball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with strong support from CEV, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the City of Osijek, managed to successfully organize a very first international volleyball competition since the outbreak of a pandemic.
“Exactly three weeks ago, at a press conference in Osijek, we announced to the Croatian public the organization of the EuroVolleyU19W, On that occasion, we presented a new model of organizing international volleyball competitions, in accordance with special “COVID protocol”. We talked about a number of measures and activities that will be carried out during the organization, in order to protect the safety and health of athletes and all persons involved in the organization, but also to prevent the spread of the virus in the local community. Despite this, the Croatian public was divided in their opinions about the organization of the competition, emphasizing the high risks of spreading the virus and referring to the competitions that preceded this one and unfortunately ended badly. Although we knew that we would give our best effort and respect the strict measures, no one could guarantee the final outcome, due to the numerous factors that we cannot influence.
But we are happy that our efforts paid off and that the competition went flawlessly. Today we are pleased to look back and thank all colleagues from Osijek, who participated in the organization, 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 whole project was a big success.
Considering the fact, that this is the first international volleyball competition since the coronavirus outbreak, followed closely by the entire European volleyball public, I am immensely glad 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 which all European competitions can be organized. I would also like to commend all the athletes and the staff who participated in the tournament, highlighting them as an example to all the other athletes.
We are witnessing new cases of virus spread in the sports on a daily basis, but without self-discipline, it is very difficult to ensure safe conditions. For the benefit of the sport, organizing competitions and enabling all young people to continue playing sports in these unusual times, we mustn’t allow sports and sporting arenas to be perceived as potential coronavirus hotspots. Therefore, take care of yourself first, so that we can all together ensure the survival of the sport. Croatian Volleyball Federation has shown it is possible.” – said the director of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, Mrs. Valentina Bifflin.
“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 organizers 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 organizers to follow in these difficult times we are all living in.” – stated Özkan Mutlugil, CEV Vice-President and Treasurer, who was also a #EuroVolleyU19W Jury President.
From 22nd to 30th of August, nine European teams battled for the title of European U19 champions in Osijek and Zenica. Turkey managed to reach a gold medal, defeating Serbian youngsters in the final, while Belarus grabbed the third place, winning against France. Turkish outside spiker, Ipar Ozay Kurt was crowned an MVP of the competition, along with her teammates Lila Şengün and Gülce Gültekin earning a place in the EuroVolleyU19W dream team.
Host nations, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina finished on 7th and 9th place.
Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, national teams of Germany, Italy and Russia had to cancel their participation at EuroVolleyU19W.
“Given the overall situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, it was very challenging to organize such a high-level tournament. In coordination with the relevant epidemiological services, the Croatian Volleyball Federation and CEV, we raised the tournament to the highest possible level to prevent virus spread among the staff, players and all the organization. In the end, it proved to be very successful, as the tournament passed without any incidents. Special thanks to the epidemiologists of Osijek-Baranja county, the chief epidemiologist Dr. Kožul and the nurse Ana Plesa, who did the lion’s share in 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 the instructions, which were extremely strict, allowing us to end this tournament without any special difficulties.” – said the official Croatian Volleyball Federation doctor, Mrs. Aleksandra Perenčević.
