***REVISED 01/16/11***

Saipan, MP, January 13, 2011: The Northern Marianas Islands Volleyball Association (NMIVA) will hold a series of qualifying beach volleyball tournaments, practices, and trainings between January 23 through February 28, 2011. Each team will have the opportunity to score points towards qualifying for the CNMI Beach Volleyball National teams. The two highest scoring teams for both men’s and women’s divisions will be given priority consideration by the Selection Committee to represent the CNMI in select international events throughout 2011. Final team selections will be determined following the last Qualifier in the series.

“Following directions from FIVB and AVC, NMIVA is moving ahead with plans to select CNMI Beach Volleyball National Teams,” said Laurie Peterka, president for NMIVA. Elaborating, Peterka said, “FIVB and AVC are guiding NMIVA on a long term vision. They are willing to provide support for our national beach volleyball teams and are helping to provide support in bringing FIVB and AVC beach volleyball events to the CNMI.”

The first qualifier will kick off on Sunday, January 23, 2011, at Pacific Islands Club. There will be a men’s division and women’s division with registration at 8:30am and games starting at 9am. Teams will play a double elimination format. Additional information regarding practices, trainings, coaches, etc. will be shared at this first event. Copies of related documents will also be made available at this time. Interested teams should visit www.nmivolleyball.org for specific Athlete Selection Criteria to determine whether they are qualified to participate.

“We have established our criteria based on guidance from the FIVB, the AVC, and NMASA. If interested players need assistance with determining their eligibility, we are here to help,” said NMIVA vice president, Gabriel White. White further noted, “Interested players should try to team together as much as possible. Players will be scored both as a team and on an individual basis.”

 

As in the past, NMIVA will use the Qualifier Series as a fundraiser with proceeds to go towards costs associated with sending teams to play in Pacific Games. Each Qualifier will have an entry fee of $10 members and $15 for non members. Those wishing to be considered for the CNMI beach volleyball national team selection will be required to pay an annual membership fee of $20 per player per year.

The qualification period will conclude with the FIVB’s World Cup – AVC Subzonal Olympic Qualifying event. National teams from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Guam and the CNMI will compete in a “best of five” tournament to be held at Pacific Islands Club Saipan, March 4th-6th, 2011. The FIVB event will follow this year’s Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival to be held at the Fiesta Resort & Spa, February 25th-27th. The Marianas Kids Cup will follow the FIVB event on March 13th, 2011.

For more information please visit National Beach Volleyball Qualifier Events & Training Schedule or email nmivolleyball@gmail.com.