World Grand Prix set to begin 24th chapter of a global success story

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 1, 2016 – For ten teams it is the perfect dress rehearsal for the Olympics – for the remaining participants, it is the highlight of the season. The 24th edition of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix promises the ultimate in volleyball entertainment around the world. The opening weekend from June 3 to 5 features the first 24 matches in Intercontinental Groups 2 and 3. The top 12 teams in Intercontinental Group 1, including defending champions USA, start their campaigns in the most important annual showdown in the world of women’s volleyball the following weekend.For two teams, this weekend marks the start of the final phase of preparations for the summer games in Rio: Argentina and Puerto Rico, who both play in Group 2. Just over a week after qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time, Puerto Rico is gripped by a volleyball fever. “The 22nd of May will go down in the history of the sport in Puerto Rico. We now want to put on a good show at the FIVB World Grand Prix too,” said coach Juan Carlos Núñez. He and his 13 players – Vilmarie Mojica, Natalia Valentin, Stephanie Enright, Yarimar Rosa, Aury Cruz, Alexandra Oquendo, Lynda Morales, Daly Santana, Paulina Prieto, Shara Venegas, Diana Reyes, Shirley Ferrer and Karina Ocasio – have made the long journey to Europe.The preliminary-round week in Zielona Gora, Poland, first sees Puerto Rico take on the Czech Republic on Friday before facing Canada and hosts …

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