Macau, August 15, 2007 - The annual sporting event, Macau Galaxy Entertainment FIVB World Grand Prix 2007, will start on the 17 August in the Macau Forum.  Four participating teams attended the press conference held yesterday, to meet and to share their preparation conditions with the media.

Mr. Wakao Katsumi, President of FIVB Control Committee, delivered his welcome speech, saying that since the organization of the FIVB World Grand Prix, Macau has been hosting the competition all most every year.  He appreciates the devotion of the local organizing committee, making this a fruitful event. Also, he expressed his gratitude to the teams and players who have contributed greatly for the promotion of volleyball sport.

Mr. Vong Iao Lek, President of Macau Sport Development Board and President of Organizing Committee, and Mr. Pau Ma Chong, President of the Volleyball Association of Macao, China and Vice President of Organizing Committee both says that with the successful hosting in the past eleven years, the FIVB World Grand Prix has become one of the grand events in the Macau sport calendar, offering people of Macau and the neighboring region the opportunity to watch world top-level volleyball matches. 

In addition to the Asian top team – China, the current fourth WGP ranking team – Cuba, the return of last year’s Macau leg second runner-up – USA, we would also like to welcome the Netherlands Team who has visited Macau in 1999.  Each team will be making their best effort for the entrance ticket to next week’s WGP Final in Ningbo.  They also expressed their gratitude for the continuous support and trust of FIVB, as well as the extensive coverage of the media. 

Mr. Chen Zhonghe, head coach of China team says, it is their pleasure to return to Macau for the event of FIVB World Grand Prix.  As the team is composed by many young players, they always cannot grasp the opportunity, hence, they did not play well in the last 2 legs.  And in this leg, all the competitors are very strong, he hopes that the players can play well.

Mr. Antonio Perdomo Estrella, head coach of Cuba team says, they have lost 2 matches before, yet competitors in the leg are very strong, so he hopes that the team can take this advantage to fight for the entry tickets to the Finals.  He also wishes that all teams in Macau can enter the Final Round.

Mr. Avital Selinger, head coach of the Netherlands team says, as all 4 teams are strong ones, it will be a hard competition for them, but he is glad to be joining the leg in Macau.  He also says that the Netherlands team is actually improving, but as there may arise many unexpected situation, he hopes that the team can enjoy the match and fight for the best for entry to the Finals.

Ms Lang Ping, head coach of the USA team expressed her gratitude for the hospitality of the local organizing committee, she hopes that her team can play their best as a token of gratitude to the local fans.

After the press conference, members from the local organizing committee, title sponsor and local sports media participated in a friendly match, to experience the fun of volleyball.