“Having international beach volleyball stars competing in Shepparton is sure to inspire local youngsters to follow in their footsteps and embrace healthier and active lifestyles,” Minister for Sport John Eren said.
Australian player Joshua Court welcomed the opportunity to play in a world-class tournament on home soil.
“Because of Australia’s isolation, we have to spend much of the year travelling around the globe if we want to compete with the best,” Court said. “To have the best actually coming to us, and to have the opportunity to take beach volleyball to a new part of Australia is great for our sport. I personally can’t wait to get to Shepparton next year.”
Two temporary purpose-built courts and a warm-up court will be constructed, and a 600-seat grandstand will be built at the Victoria Park Lake precinct.
“The event will see around 3,000 spectators per day spending time and money in Greater Shepparton, a great boost to our business and visitor economy sectors,” city council mayor Dinny Adem said.