HAVANA, Cuba, August 17, 2005.- The 2006 FIVB Men’s World Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca-E start this Wednesday in Havana with the matches Canada-Panama, Cuba-Trinidad & Tobago with Costa Rica getting the rest day. These five teams will be disputing two of the Norceca’s four tickets for the World event.

This is what the coaches said before the start of the tournament:

Stelio Derocco, Coach of Canada: “This one represents the second of a series of three big tournaments for us with a number of changes in our line up and we count with young athletes with good talent. The America’s Cup was our first official competition, where the team showed a lot of talent. We did not have much international preparation before that Cup, but our goal is not only to improve to the highest possible level but to qualify for the World Championships.”

Alberto Travieso, Coach of Costa Rica: “Despite the deficit in the preparation of our players who, after winning the first qualifying round went back to their clubs, and were together only a few days before traveling to Havana, this is fighting team tactically well prepared, and physically is OK. This will permit us to get into the rhythm of competition and obtain a good result in this Norceca.” 

Jose A. Remon, Coach of Panama: “We did not have the fortune of some confrontations with other teams, only when we enter some tournaments, but we have been keeping the national team stable for two years. Because in our country we have the local leagues, the players spread out and do not get together until three months before these tournaments. We hope to do better than in 2003 in Mexico.” 

Cideon Dickson, Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “Our intention is to compete as we have done in the previous occasions and to be as consistent as is possible. We hope the results will be parallels with our goal of competing as good as possible and as part of our preparation of this year where we have advanced. We have very talented athletes with a lot of enthusiasm and desire to contribute with the development of our volleyball. I think we can improve from our previous participation and that is the main reason for our trip here.” 

Omelio Castillo, President of the Cuban Volleyball Federation: “We respect all the four opponents we are going to face. Our team finished its participation in the World League with a bronze medal, as well as our junior team in India, three of whose players will participate in this event. As all other teams, we hope for a good result, to qualify and to continue our preparation for the Norceca Tournament in September where one ticket will be available for the Champions Cup Japan 2005.”