Volleyball stakeholders gathered at the Diamond Hotel in Manila to officially launch the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, the most prestigious volleyball tournament that the Philippines has ever hosted.
FIVB executive council member Gustav Jacobi and Eventcourt CEO Peter Bratschi presided over the unveiling of the tournament’s official poster with the help of Philippine Superliga chairman Philip Ella Juico and president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who will spearhead the local organizing body.
Jacobi said the Philippines was selected due to the country’s blossoming passion for volleyball, apparent in the Pinoys’ massive social media presence. It was imperative for the FIVB to provide world class volleyball to open locals’ eyes to the highest level of the sport.
READ: FIVB PRESIDENT BAKING ON THE PHILIPPINES TO TAKE VOLLEYBALL TO THE NEXT LEVEL
“The Philippines has a strong volleyball presence; never mind if it doesn’t have a strong club. The Philippines is a key location for volleyball. We bring the World Clubs to nations with massive followings,” Jacobi remarked.
“You can see how much the people love the sport here. As one of the most popular women’s sports in the world, the FIVB would very much like to present the best of women’s volleyball to some of the best fans in the world.”
The tournament will kick off on October 18-23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Seven of the best international club teams will participate along with the PSL contingent, namely Hisamitsu Springs of Japan, Rexona Ades of Brazil, Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, Eczacibasi Vitra, VakifBank of Turkey, and Volero Zurich of Switzerland.
READ: FIVB CWCW A HUGE STEP FORWARD FOR PHILLIPINE VOLLEYBALL
PSL President Tats Suzara presents the 2016 FIVB CWCW poster
Japanese national team members Yuki Ishii and Miyu Nagaoka banner Hisamitsu Springs; Brazilians Juciely and Gabriela Guimarães headline Rexona Ades; American setter Carli Lloyd and Italian legend Francesca Piccinini lead Pomi Casalmaggiore; Thai volleyball icon Thinkaow Pleumjit spearheads Bangkok Glass; Brazilian Thaisa Menezes and Russian powerhouse Tatiana Kosheleva power Eczacibasi Vitra; and Dutch hitter Lonneke Slöetjes and towering American winger Kim Hill anchor VakifBank.
The tournament will also feature rule innovations such as an eight-second serving clock, the removal of the players’ square (players will be allowed to sit on the bench with the coaches), and an LED net.
Photos by Roman Prospero/PSL Images
