Folk Party at WUC Beach Volleyball Opening Ceremony

MACEIÓ – Over forty games mark the opening round of the 6^th World University Championship of Beach Volleyball in Maceió (AL), this Wednesday September 12th, from 8am. The arena in Pajuçara Beach receives more than fifty pairs, from twenty countries, playing for the word university title.

Before the games on the sands of Alagoas, a party in the rhythm of local folklore marked the Opening Ceremony of the WUC, yesterday September 11th, at the Yacht Club Pajuçara.

Afonso Barbosa, national secretary of Sport, Recreation, Education and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister Aldo Rebelo, composed the directive board of the Opening alongside Cícero Almeida, mayor of Maceió; Luciano Cabral, president of CBDU and vice-president of FISU; Leonz Eder, vice-president and representative of FISU in the tournament; Edinilton Vasconcelos, Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Cícera Maria, president of FADU; Gustavo Toledo, secretary of sport of Maceió, and Moacir Albuquerque, representative of Cesmac and educational institutions of Maceió.

“Brazil is going through an intense period for sport. And hosting this World University Championship, in a beautiful city like Maceió, with the organization and work of CBDU, is the initial step of the dream to bring – after the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 – the Universiade to Brasilia in 2019”, said Secretary Afonso Barbosa.

Leonz Eder, from FISU, highlighted the importance of university sports in and out the court. “Many of you, young athletes, will be future leaders in your countries, in your work, and, besides compete for medals, use this opportunity to learn and experience this competition”.

The mayor of Maceió, Cicero Almeida, opened the 6^th WUC Beach Volleyball. “This WUC is a gift to Maceió. Enjoy the beauties of the city”. After the speeches and oaths of athletes and referees, performed by the player Pauline Silva and the referee Regis Rezende, the folk group Transart put athletes to dance according the rhythm of Maracatu.

(Source: Pollyanna Pádua, CBDU Communications – Photos: Thiago Parmalat)