Australians, Brazilians head beach volley field

An indoor beach volleyball featuring the best players in the world will be the main draw of the inaugural Spike For Peace tournament on Nov. 29 to Dec. 9 at Philsports Arena.

Australia and Brazil, two of the most revered countries in the sport, are set to engage beach spikers from Spain, New Zealand, Sweden and seven other teams, including entries from Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia said the Philippines would be allowed to form two teams together with Australia as the government sports agency, which assembled the logistics and operations of the top-level event, aims to finalize the lineup of participating squads over the next few days.

“The players set to participate here are seeking Olympic berths,” said Garcia during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum yesterday at  Shakey’s Malate.

Garcia added volleyball star Alyssa Valdez would be asked to reinforce one of the teams.

“If we succeed, we will do it again next year. I hope this becomes part of the international schedule for volleyball,” said Garcia.

The champion will earn $8,000 (about P380,000), the runner-up $5,000 and the third-placer $4,000. 

The fourth to eight placers will also receive cash prizes.

PSC would shoulder the airfare and accommodation of the foreign teams.

Holding the games indoor will spare the fans and players from the heat brought about by the humid weather.

“This is a novelty because it will be held indoors. We bought sand and it will be exciting to watch,” said Garcia.