OLYMPICS/ News
Beach volleyball too hot to handle
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-21 10:01
"We cannot change the weather," Federation of International Volleyball technical supervisor Angelo Squeo said.
"But we can take measures with the BOCOG to cool down the temperature.
"The schedule will include many matches featuring Chinese players in the night session, fans and athletes will both like it, and the lights are good too."
But Squeo urged Chinese fans to get used to the sun as soon as possible.
"Beach volleyball at the Beijing Olympics will help change people's habits," he said.
"The Chinese attitude towards beach volleyball has been changing sharply these years, they are getting used to watching games under the sun and learned to enjoy the entertainment-like sports.
"We can prove this at this year's Shanghai Open."
Since its introduction as an Olympic sport in 1996, beach volleyball has attracted criticism from conservative groups and governments of certain countries, particularly nations in the Middle East and South-East Asia, who argue that skimpy outfits preclude it from being a respectable sport.
Controversy peaked at the Athens 2004 Olympics when a DJ played music clips between sets while female dancers in orange bikinis wowed the crowds.
Some columnists likened it more to a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spread than a display of athleticism.
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