Nanjing, China, August 28, 2014 - When the Mikasa hit the sand for the final time here Wednesday and the last medal was presented on the center court at the Youth Olympic Park Beach Volleyball venue, hundreds of volunteers working the event crowded the podium for pictures.And with the competition of the 207th Beach Volleyball match for the Nanjing 2014 Youth Games, the volunteers and staff were praising the event that will leave them with lasting memories from the nine days of play where 136 athletes from more than 50 nations competed.“Although it is my first time to come into contact with Beach Volleyball, I have fallen in love with this sport,” said Qin Yipei, a volunteer in the media workroom. “I loved the vitality and enthusiasm of the players.”Zhang Jianwen, one of the sand rakers for the four courts used for competition, said “Beach Volleyball is an eye-catching sport where the players fiercely competed on the court, cheerleaders danced in the sand and announcers inspired the fans to create an electric atmosphere. It is a very hot and sexy sport. I didn’t even remove my eyesight for a moment.”Jin Weiyue, who worked at the information desk in the athletes’ lounge at the Beach Volleyball venue remembered “a day with heavy rain and it was cold outside. The two Czech girls were warming up on the walk way between information desk and dressing room in order to prepare for a practice session on training court. And, everyday they would book the training site for the next day. Their dedication and diligence made a deep impression on me.”Yanjun Li, who worked as a “young reporter” for the Beach Volleyball said “all the teams deserved and earned the respects from spectators and volunteers. For me, I was amazed with all the hard work the athletes did in preparing for their matches. I was amazed how hard they competed when the weather was not very good. I was amazed with the electric atmosphere with the music, the dancers, the mascots and the inspiring play of the athletes. These are not only my memories for the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. They are the memories for all those that worked and watched these inspiring Games.When Dr. Thomas Bach visited the 2,000-seat Beach Volleyball venue at the Nanjing Sports Park Complex and watched a women’s match between Canada and Latvia August 19, the IOC President said “you have a wonderful atmosphere here. It is a fantastic environment.”During his closing address at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games Thursday, Dr. Bach said “only some of these young athletes can return home with a medal. But all of you can return home knowing that you did your very best. This is why you all can be happy. This is why we all are so proud of you. So take this spirit of the Nanjing Summer Youth Olympic Games home with you. Share it with your families, friends and schoolmates. Tell everybody about your new friends. Tell everybody about the great diversity of cultures you experienced. Tell everybody about your great passion for sport. Live up to the pledge you just made.”