The dynamic world of Snow Volleyball is making a significant stop in Poland this coming March. For the first time in the country`s history, an international competition for this cool discipline will take place: the second edition of the U20 European Championship. Scheduled from March 7th to 9th, 2025, the event will unfold in the picturesque town of Karpacz.
This marks a notable progression following the championship`s successful debut in Georgia last year. Poland enters this home turf event with considerable momentum, having secured the men`s gold medal and the women`s silver medal in the 2024 competition, demonstrating a strong national presence in the sport`s development.
Karpacz, nestled within the Karkonosze Mountains in southwestern Poland, is a well-established tourist destination celebrated for its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the winter season. Its natural beauty combined with facilities suitable for winter sports makes it an ideal venue for hosting an event showcasing Europe`s top young Snow Volleyball talent.
The city`s leadership has expressed considerable enthusiasm for hosting. Radoslaw Jecek, Mayor of Karpacz, highlighted the honour and the opportunity to showcase the city`s commitment to supporting sports and promoting itself as a premier winter destination. He underscored Karpacz`s suitability, stemming from its reputation among winter sports enthusiasts, and expressed belief that the tournament would inspire young athletes and strengthen the link between sports and local tourism.
Speaking from the perspective of the national federation, Jacek Kasprzyk, Deputy Director of the Beach and Snow Volleyball Department of the Polish Volleyball Federation, voiced his pleasure at bringing the championship to Karpacz. He noted the inspiring growth of Snow Volleyball as a discipline attracting those seeking team competition different from traditional winter sports. Kasprzyk expressed hope that the event would draw tourists and sports enthusiasts, contributing positively to the promotion of sports, a healthy lifestyle, and enhancing local tourism offerings. Given Poland`s medal success last year, there is a clear ambition to perform strongly again on home soil, potentially repeating or improving upon those results. The competition is set to take place at the local athletics stadium.
The organisation of this landmark event for Polish Snow Volleyball is overseen by Michał Matyja, a figure previously known as a competitor on the CEV European Snow Volleyball Tour and a pioneer in the sport`s development. Matyja described the event as a major milestone for Snow Volleyball in Poland. His stated goal is to deliver a world-class tournament aimed at increasing the sport`s visibility, inspiring athletes, and engaging fans both locally and internationally. He emphasized showcasing Karpacz`s appeal as a Snow Volleyball location and committed to ensuring a professional and memorable experience for all participants and attendees.
Recognizing the target demographic of players under 20 and their digital fluency, organizers have established dedicated social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram, to provide timely updates, useful information, and engage with the audience, ensuring the event reaches its intended community effectively.
As early March approaches, Karpacz stands ready to embrace the excitement and competitive spirit of the U20 European Snow Volleyball Championship, marking a significant chapter in the sport`s history within Poland and providing a prominent stage for the continent`s promising young athletes.
Torin Vale