Summer... Sun... Holiday... Hot sand... Beach volleyball.... Dynamic play, time spent with friends, relaxation. For the third year in a row, it will be part of the U. S. Steel Košice Summer Sports Games, which will take place on September 4 – 6.

With the organizers - Soňa Kötelešová (in the photo on the left) and Baška Labašová , we talked about all sorts of things related to this sports discipline.

 Why beach volleyball?

Soňa: Three years ago, I was approached by the organizers of the LŠH on behalf of NextGen to propose a sports activity that would be close to my heart, that we would be able to "cover" and organize. We wanted to come up with something new. I approached Baška, who plays beach volleyball recreationally, and we put it together together.

Baška: When the sun is shining and it's warm, I'm in a holiday mood right away. And I don't even have to be by the sea.  I can also play beach volleyball at home, with friends, mostly at Anička. Volleyball was no longer part of our company's Summer Sports Games, so maybe that's why we agreed on beach volleyball. We have set the rules so that they are not as strict as in competitive volleyball, but so that everyone can participate. They play four against four on the field, and there must be at least one woman in each team.

 Is there a growing interest in this sports discipline at our corporate summer games?

Soňa:   6 teams signed up for the first year, last year there were 8 and I believe that this year even more will apply. We are ready for it. In the first, trial year, we had only one playground. Last year we already had two pitches and this year we can also play on three pitches.

Baška: We managed to create a great atmosphere, we had positive feedback from the participants. They praise that it is a great event and we are very happy about it. We will be happy to welcome others.

 Are only teams applying? Can an individual also apply? Will you help him join a team?

Soňa: Our team met for the first time right on the field. Since it was our first attempt, we finished last, I think, but last year we already had "potato" medals and I believe that this year we will fight even more. We have several teams, such as Ořečky, Skills, Dracikare, Kokso, Obal... The T-Rex team is excellent. We believe and hope that they will show themselves at this year as well and that there will be someone who can stand up to

Baška:   If someone does not have a team, they can also apply as an individual. We either create a new team from individuals or assign them to a team that lacks players. We take into account the level of the team and the level of individuals so that the chances are as even as possible. Last year, we put together three teams in this way and one of them even finished in 2nd place. It really doesn't matter if you are a beginner or advanced. We want it to be more about fun and for everyone to play.   There are several people who met only thanks to beach volleyball at the LŠH and new friendships were also formed.

 Do the spectators come to cheer you on?

Baška: Yes, we have spectators. We are very grateful to them, because they create a great atmosphere when they applaud us, whistle us...  They are mostly family members, colleagues, friends.

Soňa: During this year's tournament, there will be a beer festival at Ančka, so I believe that even more colleagues and friends will come, who will combine participation in the festival with cheering. Or, if there is someone who is ashamed to play, they can come to see it at least as a spectator and try it maybe in a year...

Registration for the 35th U. S. Steel Košice Summer Sports Games is already open.  Whether you are a team or an individual and want to experience a great atmosphere, meet new friends, do not hesitate to sign up for beach volleyball. Soňa and Baška are already looking forward to seeing you.

Summer Sports Games 2025 - U. S. Steel Košice

Did you know?

The first mentions of the emergence of beach volleyball probably come from Hawaii, from Waikiki Beach around 1915, but also from the First World War, when American soldiers spent their free time under a high net on the beaches. Over time, beach volleyball also came to Europe.  The first country in which it appeared was France, then Italy and Russia. The first official tournament was a men's tournament held in State Beach, California in 1947.  In 1992, it was shown as a demonstration sport at the Olympics in Barcelona. In 1996, it became an official sport at the Atlanta Olympics.