Prince George is hosting the 2019 NORCECA U19 Men’s Pan American Cup.
About 150 athletes from the top eight teams in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean will compete. The top two teams book a ticket to the world championships.
President of the Prince George Youth Volleyball Club, Dan Drezet, says this is a great learning opportunity for young players.
“We don’t have a university program in Prince George so there is nothing really for these athletes to relate to as far as that high level of play,” he explains.
“When you live in a city that has a university or college team, you can go out on a Friday or Saturday night and watch some high-level volleyball but we don’t have that so this will be great for our athletes.”
The northern capital has been a popular spot lately, with the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships coming this winter.
Alan Ahac, Director of International Events for Volleyball Canada, runs down why PG was chosen to host this particular event.
“There is a great facility, it’s very convenient to be able to have our athletes live in the residence close at hand and eat close at hand.
“Prince George has an excellent history of hosting events and has proven to have the volunteer group necessary.”
The 2019 U19 Men’s Pan Am Cup will be hosted at the Northern Sport Centre from July 22nd to 28th.
Canada did not compete in the last U19 Pan Am Cup, held in Mexico in 2017, but will bring a team to next year’s event.
.@Lynhallpg announces #PrinceGeorge will host the NORCECA U19 Men’s Pan American Cup from July 22-28, 2019 #CityofPG @VBallCanada @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/mZS9TuZY3c
— Matt Fetinko (@mattfetinko) October 24, 2018