This year, the scenic city of Recife, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant Carnival, will for the first time host the two pivotal events of the continental volleyball calendar: the Women’s and Men’s South American Championships.
Beginning this Saturday, the pulsating action of the XXXV Women’s South American Championship will unfold at the Ginásio Geraldão. Over the span of five days, up until August 23, powerhouse teams from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru will vie for the championship, battling it out in a single round-robin format.
The host nation, Brazil, with its rich legacy of 22 South American titles, is already in the limelight, having clinched victory in the last three editions. Colombia has consistently risen to the challenge, opposing Brazil in the finals for these championships. Argentina, with its commendable performance, bagged the bronze in 2021 while Peru showcased its prowess in both the 2019 and 2017 championships.
Jose Roberto Guimarães, the celebrated coach of the Brazilian national team, expressed his enthusiasm for the championship’s venue. “Bringing the South American Championship to Recife is monumental. Pernambuco is a hotbed of volleyball passion and talent, with a rich heritage of remarkable players and coaches, and the recently revamped Coliseo Geraldão,” he remarked.
The strategic importance of these matches, especially in light of Argentina’s recent victory at the Pan American Cup, isn’t lost on Guimarães. He notes that such games enable the team to pinpoint areas of refinement, particularly with the looming Pre-Olympic tournament against formidable opponents like Argentina and Puerto Rico.
A nostalgic nod to the past, it’s been 14 years since Brazil last played host for the Women’s South American Championship. In 2009, Porto Alegre bore witness to Guimarães’s squad securing their 16th gold medal. As the events kick off in Recife, the anticipation is palpable.
