 Off Track ..... Games brings in bucks, boosts interest in sport
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-13 08:21 The bikini appeal is the same but the business of beach volleyball is a far cry from what it was when the sport first graced the 1996 Atlanta Games. Media coverage has grown exponentially since then and with it has come more money, tournaments and interest. "Being included in the Olympics has changed our sport dramatically," said Australian Natalie Cook, who has played in all four beach volleyball Olympics. "Every year it's getting stronger. You can tell with the Olympic Committee putting this many seats in," one of the sport's most tireless ambassadors said, waving her hand around the 12,200-seat beach volleyball stadium in Beijing. Between Atlanta and Beijing, beach volleyball won plaudits for the stunning Sydney setting of Bondi Beach and pumped up the energy in Athens by adding dancing girls and rock music to the competition. It also changed some rules and made the court smaller to speed up the game and make it as good to watch for the sport as for the swimsuits, sun and sand. "The crowds now really get involved and have respect for the sport whereas the first time they didn't really understand," said fellow four-timer Emanuel Rego of Brazil. Agencies (China Daily 08/13/2008 page8) |
