The first lorry of Redhill 28 sand was delivered today from a quarry in Godstone in Surrey with 120 trucks set to deliver 2,274 tonnes of sand over the course of the day in order to fill the one competition court, two warm up courts and two training courts that will feature in the test event.

The Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International will take place from August 9 until 14 with a number of the world's top teams in action and after the test event the sand will be reused by Volleyball England at their training venues around the UK.

"Today is very exciting for LOCOG and all our Beach Volleyball partners," said Jevans.

"Beach Volleyball is no doubt one of the most anticipated and exciting events in the test event and Olympic calendar.

"Horse Guards Parade is an iconic central London venue while the sport itself is dynamic and great to watch.

"That, coupled with 24 of the best teams in the world here to compete in just over two weeks' time, is a winning combination that we're all excited to see.

"The sand coming in today is a tangible sign that we are getting ready to host not only the test event but also the world's greatest event next year."


The beach volleyball test event, which went on sale to the public earlier this year and has now sold out, will see a 1,500 capacity temporary arena constructed which will be a fraction of the size of the 15,000 capacity temporary arena that will be in place at the London 2012 Olympics next year.

The test event next month will play host to some world class teams and players including the current number one world ranked team Jennifer Kessy and April Ross from the USA, Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medal winner and one half of the Australian team Natalie Cook, and Beijing bronze medal duo Zhang Xi and Xue Chen from China.

Two teams from Great Britain will take to the courts at the famous London landmark ready to do battle against the best in the world.

The two pairs are Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns, and Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney.

Colin Grannell, head of partnership marketing at Visa Europe, said: "This event will be the perfect opportunity not only to ensure we're fully prepared for the millions of visitors who will come to London and use their Visa cards at Games venues but also for the athletes to get a feel for what we hope will be the best Games ever."

Eddie Farrell, the 2012 Event Liaison Manager for The Royal Parks, added: "Horse Guards Parade in St James's Park is going to make a spectacular venue for the beach volleyball competitions.

"The Royal Parks is working closely with LOCOG to ensure that the park is protected and we're really pleased with how plans are progressing.

"This historic park has hosted a wide range of events - including a yearlong European jousting contest in the 16th century - however I think that in 2012 this location is going to be one of the most iconic and unforgettable."

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