Deep within the northern reaches of Sweden, approximately 800 kilometers above the capital city of Stockholm, lies the inland village of Malå. As the days steadily lengthen during this time of year, the winter climate becomes increasingly inviting. It is within this setting, specifically at the **Tjamstan alpine resort**, that **Malå IF** is poised to replicate last year`s successful endeavor: hosting a **Snow Volleyball tournament**.
The event footprint is being expanded, featuring as many as four courts. There`s a clear ambition to enhance the tournament arena, aiming for a more functional and welcoming environment for attendees and spectators alike.
This year`s iteration of the **COOP SnowVolley Cup** sees growth in its scope, now encompassing three distinct competition categories: mixed, senior/corporate/youth, and mixed snow-level. A contingent of around 20 teams is expected to participate, drawing enthusiasts from various locations across northern Sweden.
Notably, the rules have been tailored to suit the specific tournament format. The youth `snow-level` event, designed for children aged 10 to 12, takes inspiration from the Swedish Volleyball Federation`s structured seven-level game system. In this adaptation for the snow, players are required to execute three touches within their team before sending the ball over the net. However, and perhaps most intriguingly, they are permitted the pragmatic allowance of catching and throwing the ball on the second contact. A strategic concession, perhaps, to the less predictable nature of play on snow.
From Idea to Reality: The Tournament`s Journey
The concept for organizing a Snow Volleyball tournament here originated over four years ago. The idea garnered considerable enthusiasm among local players and leaders at the time. However, those initial plans were placed on temporary hiatus, a common casualty of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Last year, with the involvement of local leader **Johan Grensell**, the original vision was successfully resurrected. This revival was underpinned by robust support from a network of stakeholders, including local sponsors, the community itself, the Swedish Volleyball Federation, various Sports federations, and the CEV (Confédération Européenne de Volleyball).
**Malå IF** spearheads the organization of this tournament with multiple objectives in mind: to promote and elevate the sport of Snow Volleyball, to generate funding specifically for children and youth activities within the club, and to contribute to the overall vitality and dynamism of the local community.
This community-centric approach involves numerous individuals and local organizations working in concert. The **COOP SnowVolley Cup 2024** is a collaborative effort, hosted by dedicated volunteers from **Malå IF** in partnership with local entities like **COOP Malå** and the **Tjamstan alpine resort**. It stands as a testament to effective local collaboration.
Building on Success
The clear objective for this year`s event is to surpass the successful premiere held in 2023. Furthermore, the initiative is viewed as a cornerstone for the continued development and growth of the club in the years ahead, solidifying Snow Volleyball`s place, however unexpected, on the northern Swedish sporting calendar.
