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Volleyball 22/06/2014

Trophy Tour stops in Bydgoszcz

Bydgoszcz,
Poland, June 22, 2014 – A sunny afternoon, which followed a day-and-a-half of
rain, encouraged the volleyball fans to come and visit the special spherical
tent, set up within the scenic surroundings of Bydgoszcz Old Town Square. Large
groups crowded the venue before the Poland vs. Brazil match of the FIVB World
League.

Fans and
curious bystanders alike had a chance to see the trophy of the FIVB Volleyball
Men’s World Championship Poland 2014 and take pictures of themselves with the
42.88cm tall piece of art. The luckiest ones won double tickets for the World
Championship matches in Bydgoszcz, which will take place from September 10 to
14. Bydgoszcz will be a host of round two matches of Pool ‘E’ (together with the
city of Lodz).

Pictures,
prizes and concerts on the nearby stage were not the only highlights of the
event. The white-and-red fans had an opportunity to meet and talk with Poland’s
Olympic and world champion – Wlodzimierz Sadalski, who is also responsible for
the Department of Training and Sport at the Polish Volleyball Federation. The
champion talked about his 1974 World Championship recollections and future
expectations regarding Polish volleyball.

“For me it’s
hard to compare these trophies. This one is beautiful, really beautiful. Times
were much different back then, but in my mind, in my memories that old trophy
was huge and magnificent. We had to travel far to get it – all the way to
Mexico, and play at a height of 2700m. We had to prepare for those alpine
conditions at training camps in France and Armenia. It was really, really hard
and it makes me remember that old trophy as something fantastic” – said Sadalski.

When asked
about Poland’s chances at the upcoming championship, Sadalski compared the
present national team with the one led by the legendary Hubert Jerzy Wagner. “Jurek
(Wagner) didn’t know the word ‘defeat’. Winning was his imperative. This team
now might have the same imperative. They play well, form a great group and
their last matches against Brazil prove that they are ready to fight for the
highest prizes. Polish volleyball has had its “five minutes” for almost 10 – 12
years now. We have great venues and one thing that is the envy of everybody
else – I’m talking about our great fans. I’ve been everywhere, but when the
Polish audience sings the national anthem, I get shivers – every time.”

The Trophy
Tour will make its next stop on Monday in the city of Lodz (June 23-24).

Volleyball fans can also follow the Trophy Tour online and on Twitter @FIVBMensWCH #FIVBTrophy.

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