FIVB President hopes for best World Championships ever
10/30/2006
Tokyo, October 30, 2006: FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta wants the players to show Japan's volleyball fanatics -- and the world -- all the thrills and spills of top-class international volleyball.
Speaking at the General Technical Meeting in Tokyo on Monday, Dr. Acosta urged the coaches of the six Pool A teams to produce attractive volleyball for the grand stage of the World Championships, which take place every four years.
"We are trying to have the best World Championships ever, and for that we need more close cooperation," he told the meeting in his introductory address.
"I ask the coaches to ask the players to perform at their best, and show the public that our sport is highly competitive and a spectacular sport.
"We depend on your teams," he said.
Praising the "brilliant, brilliant" organisation of the World Championships, Dr. Acosta added: "We have done our job and now we hope you will do your job. We wish you all good luck."
Although he was addressing only the six Pool A teams, the FIVB President's words apply to all 24 teams competing in the four first-round pools, from which the top four advance to the second round and the bottom two are eliminated.
Dr. Acosta also urged the players of the six teams in Pool A to show energy and enthusiasm during host broadcaster TBS's Opening Ceremony, which will start at 4pm on Tuesday at Yoyogi Gymnasium and run for 30 minutes.
"Not many people in the world have this chance to play in the World Championships," he noted.
Prize money for the individual awards was also announced.
The MVP, who will be chosen by the FIVB Control Committee and journalists, will receive US$100,000, and the best scorer will collect US$75,000.
There will be US$50,000 each for best spiker, blocker, server, libero and setter.
