Potential Olympic competitors will be heading to Margate this summer to take part in the Margate Masters National Beach Volleyball tournament.
Voted as the Best Tour Event for the last two years by the players and officials of Volleyball England, it gives local people and visitors the chance to see top international players performing on their doorstep for free.
Organised by Thanet District Council’s Sport Matters team and sponsored by Hornby, it’s one of only four stops on the Volleyball England Beach Tour, and is being held on Margate Main Sands between Friday 8th July and Sunday 10th July.
The Friday begins with an East Kent schools competition and is a pilot competition for the new UK School Games announced by the Coalition recently. The elite competition gets underway on Saturday 9th July. The sport’s top men and women from both the UK and abroad are once again expected to be showing off their serving and volleying skills in Margate, complimented by full match commentary music and competitions to win great prizes. Finals will be played on Sunday 10th July, with the women’s finals taking place at 1.30pm, followed by the men’s final at 3pm.
As well as spectating in the free grandstand seating why not get involved. There will be a free coaching zone where families can learn how to play the game and have a go on the courts themselves. Fancy more of a challenge? Why not get involved with the local standard competition on Sunday morning. Teams of 2-a-side or 4-a-side are welcome and there are great prizes to be won.
Cllr. Martin Wise Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “The Margate Masters is now one of the top events in Thanet each summer and for good reason. It’s an amazing opportunity for local people to see top international sportsmen and women performing in a national competition on their doorstep. With London 2012 just around the corner, this year could see appearances from those who’ll be competing in next year’s Olympics. It’s also a superb spectator event, as shown by the fact that the Margate Masters has walked off with the title of Best Tour Event for the last two years.”
Alexandra Balzaretti from Hornby said 'We are proud to sponsor the Margate Masters for a second year. With little over a year to go before our country hosts the Greatest Sporting Event on earth, the London Olympic games, and Hornby launches their London 2012 Official merchandise, we are thrilled to be associated with an event that brings Beach Volleyball, an Olympic event to our doorstep'.
For more information, visit either www.thanet.gov.uk/sport or www.volleyballengland.org/beach
Margate Masters