The PSL-F2 Logistics Manila squad pays a courtesy call to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, honorary president of the Club World Championship local organising committee, and to Senator Joel Villanueva.
Manila, Philippines, October 11, 2016 - PSL-F2 Logistics Manila players visited the Philippine Senate late on Monday where the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship hosts and first-time participants were welcomed ahead of the tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena from October 18 to 23.
Quick links:FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship Manila 2016 - WebsiteFIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship Manila 2016 - ScheduleFIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship Manila 2016 - TeamsSenate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel vowed to cheer as he welcomed the squad which will battle the best club teams in the world in the prestigious tourney organised by the Philippine Superliga and Eventcourt with TV5, Petron, Asics, BMW and F2 Logistics the official partners and Diamond Hotel the official residence.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, local organising committee honorary president, said it was only fitting for government to do everything to support the event which he added would give the Philippines a good image on the world sporting stage.
PSL-F2 Logistics Manila will compete in a very strong field composed of VakifBank Istanbul and Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul of Turkey, Hisamitsu Springs Kobe of Japan, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy, Volero Zürich of Switzerland and Rexona-Sesc Rio of Brazil.
Ticket sales for the event, according to Mall of Asia Arena representatives, have reached fever pitch since last week, and efforts have been made to accommodate more young fans, especially students and avid sports enthusiasts in line with the PSL’s continuing promotion of the sport of volleyball.
“The best club teams in the world will be arriving starting this week,” said Cayetano, referring to the spectacle that also has Rexona, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Mall of Asia Arena, Foton and Price Waterhouse Cooper as official sponsors and Turkish Airlines as the official airline.
“More than supporting our team, we also support the people behind this massive endeavor. Rest assured that the government will be behind you in making this tournament a success.”
Participating in the 20-minute meeting at the Senate were team captain Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Kim Fajardo, Frances Molina and Jen Reyes as well as Serbian coach Moro Branislav, Japanese trainer Shun Takahashi and deputy Benson Bocboc.
Foreign players Ekaterina Krivets of Russia, Yevgeniya Nyukhalova of Ukraine, Tichaya Boonlert of Thailand, Yuri Fukuda of Japan, Stephanie Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer of the United States and Lynda Morales of Puerto Rico also attended.
PSL President Ramon “Tats” Suzara led the group, also backed by Mikasa, Gerflor and Jinling Sport, in the Senate visit.
“The support of the government is overwhelming,” said Suzara, an Asian Volleyball Confederation Committee President. “We’re very thankful to the Senate for boosting the morale of our team and of the local organising committee. We promise to do our best to make the country proud.”
“Also, the tickets are selling fast, proof that more and more Filipino volleyball fans want to see topnotch international action, which the PSL, with the support of the LVPI (Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc.), is trying to bring into the country. We want our future players to reach higher levels of competition. Exposing our players now in these tournaments, like we did in our previous Asian tournament endeavors, is vital to our growth as a volleyball nation,” Suzara added.