Philippines beach volleyball teams claim gold and silver at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event

The revolutionary Volleyball Empowerment proved its value once again over the weekend as recipient of the programme’s coaching support, the Philippines, saw their two beach volleyball women’s teams claim gold and silver at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event in Subic Bay, Philippines.

In the all-Filipino women's final, Cherry Ann "Sisi" Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga defeated Genesa Jane “Jen” Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez in an exciting three-set match. Japan’s Sakamoto and Sawame claimed bronze in the women’s tournament.

The FIVB has supported the Philippines’ national beach volleyball teams with Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Kioday providing coaching via the targeted support programme of Volleyball Empowerment. The programme aims to increase the level of national teams around the world and its success has been demonstrated during this Futures event.

FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said:

“We are delighted to see the amazing results of our Volleyball Empowerment programme in the Philippines. We have been supporting the beach volleyball teams there for one year and we can already see great results! The podium appearance of the two teams at the Futures event is not only a testament to our innovative development programme, but also an inspiration for other National Federations. It shows that with our support, hard work, good management and commitment it is possible to bring your teams to the next level and for them to reach the podium.”

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Commission Secretary President Ramon Suzara said:
“It’s almost unbelievable. These pairs were formed not a long time ago, but they immediately showed cohesion and winning form on the court. We are very grateful for the FIVB’s coaching support to our teams and we are astonished with the progress. The results of our beach volleyball teams is a good sign for Philippine volleyball and for sure the PNVF national team programme will push toward getting better in the international arena.”

Meanwhile, Tipjan Pithak and Taovato Poravid pulled off a victory over Kaewsai Dunwinit and Techakijvorak Intuch to pocket the gold medal in the all-Thai men's final. Latvia’s Martin Plavins and Mikhail Samoilov claiming bronze.