FIVB captivated by strong volleyball presence in PH

FIVB’s Stan Jacobi :The Philippines is a key location for volleyball; We bring World Clubs to nations w/ big following. Photo by Marc Reyes

A TOP OFFICIAL of the FIVB (international volleyball federation) Tuesday said they chose the Philippines as venue of the Women’s Club World Championship “because of its strong volleyball presence, and strong volleyball tradition.”

The Philippines is a key location for the sport, according to Stav Jacobi, member of the FIVB executive board, during the formal launch of the FIVB Worlds at Diamond Hotel.

The FIVB WCWC is slated Oct. 18 to 23 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“You don’t have to have a strong club or your country doesn’t have to be a strong volleyball country,” said Jacobi. “We took into account that the Philippines has strong volleyball tradition and strong volleyball presence, that’s why we chose it to be the venue.”

The event is the biggest volleyball event to be held in Southeast Asia, said Philippine Superliga chair Philip Juico, who was joined by PSL president Ramon Suzara, Eventcourt’s Peter Bratschi and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas vice president Pete Cayco during the launch.

The winner of the meet will get $200,000 while all eight participating clubs will likewise receive cash prizes. The Philippines is fielding a team made up of seven Filipinos and seven foreign players.

Also in attendance were PH players Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis of RC Cola-Army. Mika Reyes of F2 Logistics was named PSL ambassador, replacing teammate Cha Cruz, who also graced the event.