June 12,2004,MONTREUX, Switzerland.- The 20th anniversary of the Montreux Volley Masters was celebrated on Friday with the unveiling of a statue of Cuban Volleyball star Regla Torres in Montreux, Switzerland.

The bronze statue of a blocking Torres, created by artists Nathalie Delhaye and Line Lindgren, was offered by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as a present for the anniversary of the international women's friendly tournament, which is an FIVB authorized competition.

The unveiling of the statue took place on the market square in Montreux in the presence of national and local authorities, including FIVB General Manager Mr. Jean-Pierre Seppey and the Cuban ambassador in Switzerland Mrs. Ana Maria Rovira.

"The sculpture is a symbol for the promotion of Volleyball in Montreux,' Mr. Seppey said. "With this statue, we honor one of the most important stars of Volleyball, who has done a lot for the sport."

Ms. Torres was overwhelmed with the statue of her. "It is incredible for me," she said. "I really have to thank the two artists for the excellent job they did."

The statue of Torres will be placed next to the Pierrier Arena in Clarens/Montreux, on the edge of Lake Geneva.