The Ticinese stage of the 2012 Beach Volleyball Tour. For the occasion, Largo Zorzi (next to Piazza Grande) transforms itself into a 'super sporty beach' with a sand arena where some of the best teams in the world can compete, in a series of matches between the highest profile athletes.
Born on Brazilian and Californian beaches in the '20s, the game has been transformed from just a show into a truly high level sport. The first beach vollyball tournament was organized in the USA in 1951, with 5 rounds in California, whereas in Europe, the first competition took place in 1961. It became an Olympic discipline in 1996, and ever since, "beach volley" has only continued increasing its popularity and fanbase. In Switzerland the first "beachtour" took place in 1993 and featured four rounds, now increased to seven. Public awareness and interest is growing too, in part due to the beautiful locations and town centre settings for events, such as that in Locarno.