History

In the spring of 1949, some people decide to organize a small volleyball tournament. Because this tournament turns out to be a great success, from the on it is repeated annually. During the first years the sports hall of the 'HBS' and another hall situated on the 'Vaart' are sufficient. The tournamens hasn't been given a name yet. Over the years the number of participating colleges increases, and soon the tournament is called the Christmas Tournament.

Initially, this Christmas Tournament isn't much to speak of. When the number of participating colleges increases, the tournament is able to exmand. To make this possible, more and more municipal sports halls are being used. Some matches are even played in the hall belonging to café 'Boele Geerts' on the 'Groningerstraat'. This hall is soon exchanged for a bigger one, namely the one belonging to 'Tet Concerthuis' (this is currently 'Theater De Kolk'. The finals are being played at this place for two successive years. In the 50's, when this location is becoming too small, the organizing committee moves its base of operation to the sports halls 'Bellevenue' on the 'Nassulaan'. The big hall of the 'Bellevenue' is used to play matches. The tournament, now spanning two days, welcomes student teams from the four Northern provinces of Holland. By now, it is decided that the name of the tournament should be: Kerst Volleybal Toernooi (in English: Christmas Volleyball Tournament). In the meantime, the organizing committee is on the lookout for a sports hall that can hold a larger audience. Because the audience, that's what it's all about. At the 10th anniversary of the tournament in 1959, the organizing committee wants to turn the tournament into a three day event. After a number of meetings, it is decided to go through with this. In this year, it is also tried to turn the tournament into an event for teams from thw whole country. In the last years of the 50's, the participating colleges are coming from The Hague, Rotterdam, Voorburg, Amsterdam and of course Assen. In 1960, there are teams from the south of The Netherlands (Roermond, Heerlen and Tilburg). Before long, the Christmas Volleyball Tournament is known throughout Holland. In the eyes of the municipal authorities there are to big advantages to the tournament. A group of young people is busy organizing a sports tournament, and at the same time all this is great promotion material for the town of Assen.

Nowadays the tournament includes teams from foreign countries, and makes use of a lare number of volunteers, host families, sponsors and much more. There is a lot of organizing that has to be taken care of, and the tournament has changed a lot since the early editions. But one thing is certain: teams will continue to visit Assen between Christmas and New Year to participate in the Christmas Volleyball Tournament, because: it is more than just a tournament!!!