ISTANBUL, TURKEY, 29 September 2004. The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) will hold its 25th Congress in Istanbul (TUR), hosted by the Turkish Federation and its President Dr. Hüsnü CAN, on Saturday 2 October 2004.

A few days prior to the opening of negotiations regarding Turkey’s adhesion to the European Union this country confirms its intention to be a part of Europe in the area of sport, in particular volleyball. Thus, the CEV Congress will be opened with the official speeches by several key people in Turkish politics, such as the Vice Prime-Minister of Turkey Mr. Mehmet ALI SAHIN, the President of the Turkish Olympic Committee Mr. Togay BAYATLI, as well as Mr. Mehmet ATALAY, the General Director for Youth and Sports.

A total 46 of the 54 CEV affiliated National Federations will be represented in Istanbul on 2 October with the privilege of witnessing the official nomination of the next organizers for the European Championships live.

The candidates are the following:

Men's Junior European Championships 2006: ISR, RUS Women's Junior European Championships 2006: FRA Boys' Youth European Championships 2007: AUT Girls' Youth European Championships 2007: CZE Men's Senior European Championships 2007: FRA, POL, RUS Women's Senior European Championships 2007: BEL/LUX, POL

More on the web at www.cev.lu

Enjoy & Be There:

16-17 October 2004: CEV Cup Men, 1st round home matches, Various. 22-24 October 2004: Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup Men, 2nd round, Various. 22-24 October 2004: Top Teams Cup Women, 2nd round, Various. 23-24 October 2004: CEV Cup Men, 1st round away matches, Various. 30 October 2004: Men’s Senior European Championships 2005 Final Round Drawing of Lots, Belgrade, Serbia Montenegro.