FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League Macao 2019, authorized by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (“FIVB”) and jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Volleyball Association of Macao, China, will be held from May 28 to 30 (Tuesday to Thursday) at the Macao Forum. The four participating teams—China, Belgium, Korea and Thailand— will strive for the best ranking in the league in Macao. The organizer held a press conference today (April 3) to introduce the details of the competition. Galaxy Entertainment Group is the official sponsor of the event.

Last year, the FIVB replaced the highly popular FIVB World Grand Prix with the new FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, and the new format has proven to be remarkably popular among local fans and visitors. A total of 16 teams, including 12 core teams and 4 challenger teams, will compete in the six-week tournament. 20 countries and regions will host the preliminary round in the first five weeks and Macao is one of hosts for the second week. The top five teams from the preliminary round and the hosting team of the final round China will compete for the Nations League title from July 3 to 7 in Nanjing.

At the press conference, President of the Sports Bureau Mr. Pun Weng Kun expressed his anticipation of exciting world-class competition by the four outstanding teams in this year’s event in Macao. Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, offered his gratitude for the trust of the organizers in making GEG the official sponsor as the Group continues to make a proactive approach in supporting the development of sport tourism and local name-brand events such as this tournament.  Mr. Pun and Mr. Cheng then signed a sponsorship agreement for the event before officiating the kick-off ceremony together with Mr. Ma Iao Ian, Chairman of the Volleyball Association of Macao, China. Also present at the press conference are Vice President of the Sports Bureau Ms. Lam Lin Kio, President of the Volleyball Association of Macao, China Mr. Chan Mun Fong and members of the Sports Committee.

Fierce competition is expected this year among four strong teams: China, winners of the Jakarta Palembang Asian Games and current world number two team; European powerhouse Belgium; and the outstanding Korea and Thailand. Two matches will be staged on each day of the three-day event:

• May 28: Belgium vs Korea, China vs Thailand;
• May 29: Korea vs Thailand, China vs Belgium;
• May 30: Belgium vs Thailand, China vs Korea.

Tickets will be on sale from 11:00 am on April 16 at 15 designated OK convenience stores in Macao or on the official website www.macaovnl.com. The price for each one-day (2 matches) free-seating ticket is MOP150. Customers who purchase tickets for all three days can enjoy a 30% discount until seats for any of the three days are sold out.

In order to encourage active participation of the audience, “My Favorite Galaxy Star Player and Team Award” will return this year. Volleyball fans will be invited to vote for their favorite players and teams, and voters will have the chance to win fabulous prizes of hotel accommodation and dining package.

Volleyball fans interested in witnessing top-notch world-class women’s volleyball actions are urged to purchase tickets before they get sold out. For more information regarding the competition, please call 28236363 or visit the official website www.macaovnl.com.