Arjan Elzinga has been a permanent fixture in the sports hall for twenty years. Not as a player, but as chairman. “I have experienced a lot here: highs and lows. The 50th anniversary in 2017 was a real milestone, with 56 teams and a big party. But last night, the party, was another moment that you will not soon forget.”
The PVT was once held during the Easter holidays, but since that holiday was shortened, the tournament has been moved to the spring holidays.
After twenty years, Elzinga believes it is time to hand over the gavel. Not because of lack of time, but out of conviction. “You build something and then you have to ask yourself whether you are the one who should continue with it. I think the young generation should be given that chance.”
How will he continue without a board position? “Maybe next year I’ll be behind the counting frame,” he laughs.
The fact that the tournament has to get bigger every year is not the case in Assen. Where the tournament was previously divided between Sports Hall Olympus and Sports Hall De Timp, this year everything will take place at one location. “That is a difficult choice,” the organization acknowledges. “Fewer teams can participate, but the tournament feels more like one whole.” And that is well received. “Teams that did not participate this year were there at the party. That says enough.”
The organization is satisfied with 54 teams, more than 500 players and approximately 400 matches in four days. The denouement will follow on Saturday and it will become clear who can call themselves the winner of the Easter Volleyball Tournament.
