Some of the best beach volleyballers will be back in action in Mt Maunganui in 2024 with confirmation of the Beach Pro Tour Futures event to be held March 7-10.
Returning to the home of beach volleyball in New Zealand after the inaugural World Beach Pro Tour event in April 2023, the Futures event will again see a host of players from around the world make their way to the Bay of Plenty as they chase international rankings points.
The inaugural 2023 event was a success on and off the sand with Kiwis Alice Zeimann and Shaunna Polley claiming the women’s title and China’s Likejiang Ha and Jiaxin Wu taking out the men’s event – beating New Zealand brothers Sam and Ben O’Dea in the final.
Volleyball New Zealand CEO Steven Upfold says the 2024 event is another important step for the sport in New Zealand.
“We’re delighted to be able to deliver another World Beach Pro Tour event after our first one in 2023,” said Upfold.
“Mt Maunganui and beach volleyball have established very strong link over a long period of time and adding the World Tour event to that mix is a great outcome for everyone involved.”
“With the outstanding support of Tauranga City Council, and our sponsors G.J. Gardner Homes and Tip Top means we’re able to deliver another quality experience in 2024.
The Futures event will feature 16 teams in both men's and women's Main Draw competition and will be one of several in the Oceania region with events slated for the Pacific Islands and Australia during the February – April period.
The confirmation of the 2024 Futures event comes on the back of recent news that Phil Dalhausser, a former Olympic Gold Medallist, World Champion and four-time Olympian, is teaming up with fellow American Olympian Taylor Crabb to visit New Zealand for the G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top stops in Christchuch and Mt Maunganui in February.
Volleyball New Zealand High Performance Coach Jason Lochhead says the increasing presence of top international players in New Zealand is huge for the sport after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Being able to host Futures events and creating opportunities for some of the best players on the world circuit to come to New Zealand has massive benefits for us,” Lochhead said.
“It provides a chance for our best athletes to play directly against and watch international teams. The development benefits that come with those opportunities in our own country is critical for our players and wider visibility of the sport.”
Nelita Byrne, the Venues and Events Manager for Tauranga City Council, is eagerly anticipating the Beach Pro Tour taking place on the sandy shores of Mount Maunganui in March. As a highlight on the summer events calendar, Tauranga takes pride in being the custodians of this event. She notes, "Beach volleyball is deeply ingrained in our region's DNA."
Nelita views the upcoming event as an excellent opportunity for the community to witness and draw inspiration from the skills of international athletes. She emphasises, "Hosting an event of this calibre provides our community with an amazing opportunity to experience and be inspired by these international athletes."
The Beach Pro Tour Futures event takes place at Mt Maunganui Main Beach, March 7-10.
