Lille, France, June 27, 2018 - The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) trophy has arrived in Lille ahead of the highly-anticipated Men’s Finals which begin on July 4 and will see six of the world’s best teams battle it out to become the inaugural VNL Men’s champion.
Made from varnished black nickel, the elegant trophy, which is 620mm in height x 260mm in width and weighs almost 12kg, was inspired by volleyball and is the embodiment of the iconic VNL logo. The logo, which has become synonymous with the competition, was created using motion capture, tracking the trajectory of the volleyball passing from player to player. The trophy reflects these movements and the power and grace of the sport.
The medals have also been designed in line with the VNL look and feel and for each medal, the trajectory of the winning point of the final match will be engraved on the back.
“The Volleyball Nations League has a clear and powerful identity, and I am delighted that this identity has been captured in the design of the beautiful trophy and medals,” FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° said. “Our unique brand is made of volleyball, the lines show the movement of the ball and we believe that it brings the spirit of volleyball to life.”
The final six teams competing for the trophy were finalised last week, after a dramatic end to the Preliminary Rounds. France, the USA, Russia, Brazil, Serbia and Poland all qualified, and will now battle it out over five days in Lille. After two rounds of pool play, four teams will advance to the semifinals, before a climactic final day will see the eventual winner crowned champion.
Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille will be the venue for one of volleyball’s most exciting events in the last decade, and fans in attendance will experience the ultimate sporting atmosphere, with Grammy-award winning Australian DJ superstars NERVO energising the crowd ahead of the gold medal match. Having created a brand new single, "Worlds Collide" ahead of the Finals, NERVO will be performing at both the Women’s and Men’s Finals.
