Pinormalisa ng ‘Pinas ang bid para isagawa sa bansa ng prestihiyosong 21st FIVB Volleyball World Men’s Championship 2025 Huwebes na sasabakan ng 31 bansa at ng national team sa Sept. 12-28.
“As they say, teamwork makes the dream work and this meeting is a first major step towards the dream of a successful bid and eventual hosting of the men’s world championship,” lahad ni Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara sa event briefing sa Grand Hyatt Manila sa BGC, Taguig City.
Dumalo sa espesyal na pulong ang masugid na sports at volleyball advocate na si Sen. Pia Cayetano, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco at FIVB brass Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor at Chief Business Officer Guido Betti.
Isinabay ang asinta ng bansa sa matagumpay na pagtatanghal ng PNVF ng Volleyball Nations League (VNL), na pinuri ng mga nangungunang opisyal ng FIVB bilang pinakamahusay na nai-host na edisyon -2022 at 2023 – na may napakalaking reaksyon ng lokal na mga tagahanga na hindi kailanman nakita saan mang sa mundo.
“The VNL last year at the (SM) MOA Arena was the best event of the VNL and we had 14 stops around the world,” lahad ni Finn. “It shows that the Philippines has embraced the best of volleyball and we were able to see that not only the fans embraced the players but teams embraced the fans.They can’t wait to come back.”
Hinirit ni Betti: “We see a massive potential in the Philippines. We decided to bring the VNL here two years ago and the fandom was crazy. We’re overwhelmed and with that being said, players will be happy to comeback. Love from the people here was unique that all the volleyball players are dreaming for.”
Pinagkaabalahan din ng PNVF ang dalawang linggong – men at women – ng VNL sa Smart-Araneta Coliseum noong 2022 at ang men’s leg sa SM Mall of Asia Arena sa nakaraang taon.
Muling kinukunsidera ang dalawang lugar para sa susunod na taong world championship.
Dumalo rin sa mahalagang okasyon sina Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) secretary-general Atty. Warton Chan na kumatawan kay president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, Jennifer Reyes at Monica Mitra na kinatawan si Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Erwin Lozano na representatice ni Sen. Sonny Angara at Cignal TV Inc. Channels & Content vice president Sienna Olaso.
May mga kinatawan din ang SM Mall of Asia Arena, United Promotions Inc. ng Araneta Group Management at Tourism Promotions Board.
“I’m here to support and express the commitment of our government, specifically the DOT, to ensure that the Philippines’ bid to host this global event is likely successful,” lahad ni Frasco.
Ibinahagi naman ni Cayetano ang kanyang karanasan sa laro bilang national at varsity volleyball player, at tiniyak ang suporta ng Taguig at ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano sa worlds.
“I assure that the Senate will do everything in its power for this event. We’ve come a long way and we’re so excited to be part of this journey,” aniya. “We know that 2025 is a year that will bring much pride to the Philippines and share the love the Filipinos have.”
Dehins pa nakapag-men’s world championship ang mga Pinoy sapul noong 1974 sa Mexico.
Ihahayag ng FIVB at ng Volleyball World ang mananalong bidder sa katapusan ng Marso.
(Lito Oredo)