Beach volleyball "could return to London this summer" after the capital was named as a host for one of the women's Int'l Tour competitions, according to Nick Hope of the BBC. However, Volleyball England insists that it still needs "significant commercial backing to make the event a reality." The sport was set in Horse Guards Parade for the Olympics, "but would most likely be held at the Score Centre in Waltham Forest," Aug. 14-18. England Volleyball President Richard Callicott said, "We want to capitalize on London 2012. However, just because it's in the calendar doesn't mean it will definitely happen. We need to find the funding because England has no spare money." With fresh sand costing around £40,000 ($62,260) "and other costs for temporary stands, security and athlete accommodation," organizers estimate hosting the competition in the north east of the city would require a more manageable £500,000 ($778,250). "We've had a Dutch company offering €100,000 ($131,770) and FIVB (volleyball's int'l governing body) will pick up some costs, but that leaves a lot of money, which is where the commercial side comes in" (BBC, 5/7).
