The SWATCH-FIVB World Tour comes to the beautiful island of Madeira

PORTO SANTO 2006 - After staging the SWATCH-FIVB U-21 World Championships in 2004 and a men’s FIVB challenger stop in 2005, the Madeira Island of Porto Santo stages the world’s best women’s players at its Beach Volleyball-friendly facility on the Portuguese isle off the coast of Africa.  The island was home to Christopher Columbus, who married the first governor’s daughter before discovering the New World.  Almost 40 kms from Madeira, Porto Santo is like a desert island with a wonderful climate and miles of golden sandy beach.  The island is just 16 miles square and its main attribute is the 51/2 mile golden beach where the tiny capital of Vila Baleira sits, and the majority of the islands 4,000 population reside.  Vila Baleira has a handful of shops, three banks, several restaurants, and a good selection of hotels.  There are also a number of restaurants scattered around the island that operate minibus transport for customers.

PAST PORTUGAL WOMEN’S PODIUM PLACEMENTS

Total Medals - USA 11, Brazil 10, Australia 2, Greece 1