Beach volleyball has been given a lift after a business group threw its weight behind the town's annual tournament, ensuring it could go ahead.

The Volleyball Classic returns to Weymouth Beach this month, hosted at a temporary sports arena on the Pavilion end from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18. This will include grandstand seating for spectators and supporters, a marquee for organisers and competitors, and a PA system for competition commentary and music.

The tournament was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Weymouth Town Council and the directors of the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic are delighted to announce the support of the Weymouth BID for this year’s event. The event probably wouldn't have gone ahead without this support.

Weymouth BID will be officially recognised as the premier sponsor of this year’s prestigious championships. It has not been disclosed how much money the BID has given.

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Picture: Dorset Media Service

As well as the volleyball tournament the sports site will also be used for local community activities including fitness classes by Sister Fitness, youth football, and the Swim The Bay 1.2 mile and 2.4 mile challenge swims.

Weymouth BID spokesman Dawn Rondeau said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the Weymouth Beach Classic this year.

"It is one of Weymouth’s longest running and most prestigious annual sporting events, loved by the community and supported by a fabulous group of volunteers and long-standing members of the local volleyball club. The event is a magnificent showcase and promotion for the town and embraces the unique welcome friendship and professionalism of this unique championships.”

Graeme Sawyer and Peter Bennett, Directors of Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic, said: “We are proud to be in our third decade of hosting the country’s favourite beach volleyball championships.

"With a lot of uncertainty about this year’s event, we are absolutely over the moon at the support from the Weymouth BID – it is very likely that the event would not have been possible without their support.

"We are now very confident of hosting a great championship and keeping everybody involved Covid safe. With the best teams already signed up and working with the town council and the local club volunteers, we look forward to putting on a fabulous event for competitors and spectators.”

Mayor of Weymouth Colin Huckle said: “Weymouth has a great reputation and fabulous track record in hosting major outdoor sports events and festivals throughout the year. With the impact of Covid restrictions we have certainly missed the excitement and the great collaboration between local clubs, volunteers, and the Council to make these events possible. We applaud the support of the Weymouth BID and look forward to working together to host this amazing annual sports spectacle on Weymouth Beach.”