Visa Europe has today been announced as the title sponsor for the FIVB Beach Volleyball International event in August.

The tournament takes place at the Horse Guards Parade in London, which will be the site of the beach volleyball competition at the 2012 Olympics.

Colin Grannell, head of partnership marketing at Visa Europe, said: "As a long-term sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sponsoring the beach volleyball test event as part of the ‘London Prepares’ series gives us an opportunity not only to be at the heart of the action as excitement around the Games builds but it also allows us to prepare for London 2012 where we will be showcasing our latest payment technology.”

Visa Europe is also presenting partner of Team 2012, the group of 1200 British athletes all vying to compete at London 2012.