SWATCH-FIVB World Tour - Five Years of Success

In 2007 SWATCH and FIVB celebrated the fifth straight year of their well-established partnership in the SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. Over the years, Title Sponsor SWATCH has significantly strengthened the partnership due to the high prestige and popularity of its global brand. It has supported FIVB in increasing the popularity of Beach Volleyball around the world.

The story of the SWATCH and FIVB successful partnership started back in 2003. SWATCH and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) signed a major sponsorship deal in Lausanne, Switzerland on Feb. 27, 2003. According to the agreement, SWATCH, the prominent designers and manufactures of reliable timing equipment and wristwatches, became title sponsor for the Beach Volleyball World Tour.

SWATCH has long established firm reputation in the field of innovations. The deal with FIVB implies not only financial support but also timing and technical innovations, including the supply of electronic scoreboards and speed of service measurements. SWATCH, as FIVB's international partner, wants to contribute to the growth of public and media interest in rapidly developing summer sport.

The international interest in Beach Volleyball has considerably grown following its unforeseen success enjoyed at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Beach Volleyball, becoming more and more popular in many countries, represents an attractive mixture of sports and entertainment. The stream of energy and lifestyle of Beach volleyball fans perfectly reflects the major concepts of the SWATCH philosophy. As the company has been continuously involved in the world of sports on different levels, the global sponsorship agreement with FIVB became a natural continuation of that involvement.

SWATCH executives have been convinced that Beach Volleyball is enjoyed worldwide as the most popular summer sport. The company has been devoted to developing public relations and communication campaign to further improve the sport's image in people's hearts and minds.

SWATCH, holding a huge international profile and associated with a 'watchword' in many countries, has been producing a specially developed Beach Volleyball SWATCH watch. SWATCH has taken part in all Beach Volleyball events through organizing points of sales and merchandising activities.

SWATCH and FIVB are determined to work hand-in-hand to further develop the sport as one of the most popular summer activities worldwide.