A British volleyball star has switched spending Christmas in Rio de Janeiro to be in Sheffield ahead of the World Championships in the city.
Mark Plotyczer is a receive hitter for the Great Britain volleyball squad which will be taking its first steps on the global stage when the prestigious tournament begins at the EIS – Sheffield, January 2 - 4.
The 21-year-old - born in Rio but qualifies to play for Britain through his parents - is playing a key role in volleyball’s development performance programme as the team prepares to participate in the London 2012 Olympics.
Mark plays professional volleyball with top-flight club Milon in Athens, Greece, but it has always been his dream of playing for Great Britain and is staying in Sheffield over the festive period as the squad prepares for the World Championships with games against Sweden.
A number of players from the GB squad now reside in Sheffield, including Maria Bertelli, who will be part of the women’s squad which have their own preparation camp by taking on Austria between Christmas and New Year.
Maria, 30, plays for national volleyball league side London Malory after making her England volleyball debut against Australia in 1996. Last year she committed herself to Volleyball full-time and moved to Sheffield after previously sharing her sporting ambitions by playing professional football at Charlton Athletic.
Maria even played for Charlton in the FA Cup final before the ladies team was scrapped by the Championship club following relegation. She responded by flying out to Switzerland later the same month to begin her volleyball career with the newly formed Great Britain team.
Tickets for the first round event, supported by Yorkshire Forward, are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for concessions. They are available in advance by visiting www.volleyballengland.org, calling 0114 223 5742 or from the EIS - Sheffield reception, Coleridge Road, Sheffield, S9 5DA.
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