Women's Cape Town 2005

Weekly Media Release

CAPE TOWN 2005 - The women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour makes its first ever stop on the African continent as Cape Town hosts two weeks of SWATCH-FIVB World Tour competition at Camps Bay.  After the women end their 2005 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour season November 16-20, the men complete their schedule November 23-27.  For the second-straight season, the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour returns to Cape Town where Camps Bay hosted the Men’s South Africa Open in March 2005.  Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful places in South Africa with Table Mountain, the view from Cape Point, the magical mild weather and the Cape Peninsula National Park, a patchwork of mountains, forests and coastline all combining to make for an awe inspiring setting.  Cape Town, the legislative center of South Africa, is renowned for its outdoor pursuit opportunities and Beach Volleyball will be thriving in this environment come November with two weeks of high class action from the best athletes in the world taking place on the beautiful sands of Camps Bay.  All the players will need to be aware of the forceful "Cape Doctor" that appears sometimes from nowhere. While the traditional wind, which whips in from the south-east, will add to the mystic of the place, it will of course also play a crucial role in the Beach Volleyball action.  Cape Town also boasts some fascinating historical sites, excellent museums and vibrant markets.  Its climate is perfect for producing the world renowned Stellenbosch white wine.

The men's SWATCH-FIVB World Tour stages its fourth event in South Africa as Cape Town hosts an international men's stop for the third-time.  Durban hosted a men's event in 1996 where Brazilians Guilherme Marques and Para Ferreira captured the title by defeating Atlanta Silver Medallists Mike Dodd and Mike Whitmarsh in the finals.  Sean Hayes and Jason Smith placed 13th in the 1995 Cape Town event for South Africa’s best finish in an event the country hosted.

2004 Cape Town Men's Podium