Lausanne, 20^th June 2007 – From 24^th to 29^th of July the best Beach Volleyball players of the world will arrive in Switzerland to conquer the title won in Berlin in 2005 by May-Treanor – Walsh (U.S.A.) and Marcio Araujo – Fabio (BRA). Special Pre Championships Day for the media. Seat ready for transportation plan. Side events for spectators. A special Swatch at the event wrist. Interviews with the Swiss Laciga brothers

SPECIAL PRE CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY FOR THE MEDIA

The SWATCH FIVB 2007 World Championships powered by 1to1 energy are close. From 24^th to 29^th of July the best Beach Volleyball players of the world will arrive in Switzerland to conquer the title won in Berlin in 2005 by May-Treanor – Walsh (U.S.A.) and Marcio Araujo – Fabio (BRA).

The organizers have set up a special program for all the accredited media, a «Pre Championship Day for media» on Monday, 23^rd July 2007. The event is bringing the world’s hottest sport to the vicinity of the eternal ice and Alpine traditions. So it will be possible to experience Switzerland one day before the World Championships rounding off sports reporting with these attractive aspects.

The media can choose between two different programs: “Alpine culture and tourist highlights” and “Bern – the diverse capital of Switzerland”. The two options and the registration forms are available on the organizers’ website www.beachwm07.ch

On Monday 23rd July, following the Technical Meeting (21h00), the presentation of the teams and pools as well as the opening ceremony will take place in the Promenade of Gstaad.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The visitors of the SWATCH FIVB World Championships will be transported to the different locations, thanks to Park&Ride and the Saanen Bank train. Players as well as the referees and officials will reach the courts during the World Championships week on time. The organizers’ main sponsor SEAT is supporting the event with 35 vehicles: players and officials will travel on the new car Altea XL, the first 4x4 Kombi Altea Freetrack and the Multi Purpose Van Alhambra. “SEAT Switzerland is proud of this long and good co-operation”, says SEAT manager Janette Lajara. “The Year 2007 is with the Beach Volleyball World Championships in the own country a special year and big engagement for SEAT.” Like every year, the SEAT girls will mix turns and choreography with a lot of temperament. The attractive dancers are travelling from Spain, the country of origin of SEAT. The girls will be dancing during the breaks and show Gstaad the real meaning of the slogan “Auto emocion” with a lot of rhythm, acrobatics and emotion.

SIDE EVENTS

One of the big highlights of the SWATCH FIVB World Championships will be the show of the 29 year old Swiss rapper Stress. Andres Andrekson, aka Stress, came to Switzerland as a 12 year old boy. Today he’s the most popular rapper in the country. His new CD “Renaissance” was No 1 in March and Stress can, for the first time, put on his wall a platinum award. Additionally, he was seen in 2006 on the big screen together with his partner Melanie Winiger, in the film “Breakout”. With the success of his album “Renaissance” the artist from Lausanne is on stage nearly every week and will be performing in Gstaad on Wednesday, 25^th July 2007. He will for sure heat up the summer atmosphere even more.

SPECIAL SWATCH

A special SWATCH FIVB World Championships edition watch has been released by Swatch. Collectors can only find this special Swatch at selected retailers in Switzerland.

INTERVIEW WITH THE SWISS LACIGA BROTHERS

What is the reason for the new old composition Martin and Paul Laciga?

Martin: After the injury of Markus Egger, we unfortunately couldn’t get into the competition on time. After all the positive statements of the doctors, it was a big disappointment when the decision was made, that Markus wouldn’t be able to play at any competitions under these circumstances. That’s why I got in contact with Paul.

How did Philip Gabathuler (Paul Laciga’s partner) react due to this new situation?

Paul: Philip was really looking forward to play the tournaments with me, including the World Championships. On the other side, he could understand the new situation and it’s obvious for him to play the World Championships with his normal partner David Wenger, so that Paul and Martin Laciga can play together.

How does the program of the duo Laciga – Laciga until the World Championships look like?

Martin: I will be playing the tournaments until the World Championships together with my brother Paul and hope that we will cause a big surprise in Gstaad.

What can the fans in Gstaad expect from you?

Martin: I will give everything and try to show my best Beach Volleyball.

Why should the people travel to the World Championships to Gstaad?

It’s not only going to be a sportive highlight! The fans can also look forward to the events beside the Beach Volleyball.