European Beach Handball Tour Masters Finals (season of 2008)
30 – 31 May 2009 in the Municipality of Meliti (Issos), Greece
Corfu (Kerkyra) is an island in the Northern Ionian Sea, situated in the entry of
the Adriatic sea and near the coasts of the Continent. It is the second largest
island in the group known as the Ionian Greek islands. The beaches have a total
length of 217 km forming many bays and capes. It has a mountainous terrain
mainly in the northern part, with its highest peak being Pantokratoras (914m).
The capital of the island, the city of Kerkyra, constitutes the administrative,
economic, commercial and cultural centre of the island and today has a
population of 25.000 residents, the employment of whose is concentrated in
the tertiary and service sectors, trade and tourism. The Old City of Kerkyra is a
monumental ensemble, unique for Greece. Since 2007, the Old City of Kerkyra,
with the Old and New Fortress, is found in the international list of the World
Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, as a separate architectural and monumental
ensemble that represents an important historical period.
Having decided to visit Corfu, one of the most interesting Greece’s islands,
prepare yourself for an unparalleled experience. An amalgam of natural
beauties traditional villages and features and archaeological sites. Is the island
of miracles and wonders, where every moment the scene changes without
affecting the harmony of the terrain. Visitors of Corfu Greece will not know what
to admire first: The natural beauties of the island, the picturesque of the city
and villages or the wide variety of the magnificent bays and beaches that gather
thousands of tourists every year?
The eastern coasts offer a calm sea and a wide range of marine sports.
The western coasts offer vast sandy beaches and some fascinating bays,
shaping among the rocky cliffs that actually come down to the sea. But in Corfu
there is also a lot more to see. Several museums and Byzantine churches,
archaeological monuments and Venetian fortresses, impressive landscapes, a
superb inland that offers itself for carefree strolls on traditional paths, excellent
The island of Corfu
views from the mountain of Pantokratoras where one is able to scan the sea
and see the islands of Erikousa, Othoni and Mathraki, the Albanian coast,
Paxoi, Antipaxoi and – if the visibility is good – the coastline of Italy. As for the
entertainment, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs to satisfy catholic
tastes. Whatever one may choose one thing is for sure: Anyone who visits the
amazing island of Corfu will have a pleasant and creative stay.
The site: Issos beach (39°25’55.47” N, 19°55’53.30” E)
The beach of Issos is situated at 32 kilometres south of Corfu town and is a
popular place, especially for people who like sandy beaches. The beach is about
2 kilometres long and 35 metres wide. The region of the coast of Issos has
been included in Natura (Natura 2000) and has been characterised officially
as forestall in the context of the existence of rare natural beauties); therefore,
the only infrastructure here is the Municipal facilities. The beach is awarded
by a Blue Flag, it is organized and offers sunbeds, snack bar, toilets, changing
rooms, showers and lifeguard. Perfect place for families with children, young
and all romantic couples.
Surrounded by sand dunes you feel more like you are in Sahara desert rather
than in the greenest island of Greece. For those who love nature and tranquility
this is the pure paradise. The dunes, the cedar forest and the lagoon are
interesting to explore on foot, paying a little effort which will be rewarded with a
unique and wonderful landscape. One must not miss the sunset over the dunes!
It is a once in a lifetime experience!
Issos is not a resort. It is a very beautiful beach, perfect for sandy beach lovers
and windsurfers. The beach is famous for kitesurfing, windsurfing, paragliding
and beach sports (beach handball, beach soccer). Vast amount of information
can be found on the internet (search for “Issos” or in the Meliti Cup website
www.meliticup.gr).
Following the Beach Handball philosophy the EBT Masters Finals shall be a
competition simply structured, with easy rules, a lot of sun, fun and lifestyle
based on the fair play spirit. Nevertheless also this competition has to follow
the EHF standards concerning its minimum requirements and organisational
structure.
Participation
The EBT Masters Finals will be carried out by 16 teams (8 women teams and 8
men teams) playing group matches and placement matches and the finals.
The first 6 nations based on the EBT ranking (+ 1 wildcard for the co-organiser,
+ the defending champion of the previous EBT Masters Finals if registered for
the respective EBT season) have the first right to participate in the EBT Masters
Finals and are nominated by the EHF:
Women’s Competition:
1 Euronics Nagyatad (HUN) – Defending Champion
2 Vipren Cadiz (ESP)
3 Tribo Do Sol (POR)
4 Flying Kangaroos (GER)
5 Promilky (CZE)
6 Playadettes (SUI)
7 Detono Zagreb PMF (CRO)
8 Wild card team
Men’s Competition:
1 AXA Beachstars Budapest BHC (HUN) – Defending Champion
2 Balonnmano Playa Barbate (ESP)
3 Detono Zagreb PMF (CRO)
4 Mega Sport/OMCJ (POR)
5 Freunde der Sonne-Hamburg (GER)
6 Letenye Select-H2O (HUN)
7 TSHV Camelot-Tilburg (NED)
8 Wild card team