Olympic stars, a net gain for Tenerife
Sometimes I feel a little lazy, crashed out on one of Tenerife’s countless beaches, listening to the relentless slap of hand on ball as volleyball enthusiasts push themselves through their paces to enjoy their game. Most of them do it for fun, but there is a higher breed, those professional sportsmen and women, who raised the game to a higher level at the recent Olympics. How could I fail to be impressed when I heard that 16 of Europe’s top male players would be competing in a 3 day contest here in Tenerife.
The Tenerife Champions Cup was a real eye opener for me, a FREE show in Costa Adeje and for many people the first chance to get a glimpse of our newest tourist attraction Siam Park. Having been lucky enough to attend the gala opening night of Siam Park, I had been impressed at the crescent shaped imported beach in front of the Wave Palace but as the tour stopped there for the speeches and fireworks, we didn’t have much inkling of the amphitheatre above that was to stage the volleyball.
From the pre tournament press conference, it became clear what an exciting new venue this could be, high up and with great views over the park and out to the Atlantic. The large stone blocks that make up the tiered seating lead up to the imposing and colourful temple guards watching over us. My mind was already racing at the prospect of music concerts and theatre events in this unique setting.
As for the beach volleyball games, the 8 male pairs gave it their all and I soon became gripped by the skills on show. The television and other media present lapped up the showmanship of loud music and cheerleaders during the breaks and the crowds grew in size and volume as the grand final loomed on Sunday afternoon. A home win for Spain would have been the icing on the cake but everyone rose to applaud the power and skill of the German winners Jonas Reckermann and Misha Urbatzka.
The army of sponsors realised they were on to a winner, and even as everyone was tucking into the paella at the after final party, it was announced that the Tenerife Champions Cup is here to stay until at least 2012, book me a front row seat.
