The Macedonian and Israeli national teams may not be the ‘real giants’ of European Volleyball and do not have any medals and trophies from past editions of the European Championships, but they can be proud of the fact that they are co-organisers of the upcoming CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men. Both national teams played friendly matches in the Macedonian city of Kavadarci and jointly promoted the trophy, which will be gracing the showcases of the best team from the continental competition due to take place in two weeks from now.
The result of the friendly matches was 1-1, the first was won by the hosts 3-2 (17-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-10), and the second went the way of Israel in straight sets (25-15, 25-23, 25-22). Expecting good results from CEV EuroVolley 2023, Volleyball rivals on the field, and friends off it, the players of the two teams wished each other the achievement of their goals, which is a good performance and securing a spot among the Top 16 in Europe.
The Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia hopes that these promotional activities will contribute to the Boris Trajkovski sports hall becoming a real Volleyball temple in the eight days from August 30 to September 6 when the Macedonian capital Skopje will host a pool of the European Championship for the second time in history. The first time was in 1975, but within the former Yugoslavia, and this year the Macedonian Volleyball family will have the honour of offering sports fans the first men’s senior European championship in any sport since the country gained independence in 1991. It is a responsibility, but also a privilege at the same time.
Team captains and head coaches pose with the EuroVolley trophy
That is why the Trophy Tour will continue at the Agency for Youth and Sports, and then at the traditional memorial tournament Chajka scheduled from August 18 to 20 with the participation of representatives from three continents: Europe (North Macedonia and Greece), Africa (Egypt) and Asia (Japan).
It seems that Skopje has decided to remain a bright spot on the Volleyball map and highlight the values that EuroVolley brings to all corners of the continent. The passion for Volleyball can only grow from now on.