Reno Hosts 2010 USAV Girls' Junior Nationals

Bill Kauffman
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: bill.kauffman@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 11, 2009) – USA Volleyball has awarded the 2010 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships, formerly known as the USA Junior Olympic Girls’ Volleyball Championships, to the City of Reno in Nevada. The competition will be held June 24 to July 3 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

The re-naming of the event creates added branding awareness toward USA Volleyball and signifies its national championship status. In addition, its gender counterpart has been renamed the USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships.

Reno (www.visitrenotahoe.com) last hosted a USA Volleyball National Championship event in 2000, as it was the site for the 2000 USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships. Reno also hosted the 1975 and 1992 USA Adult Open Volleyball Championships. In addition, Reno is the furthest west this event has taken place since it was held at San Jose in 1996. Until Reno's 2010 selection, Salt Lake City was the further west the event traveled as it hosted in 2000, 2001 and 2005 since the 1996 San Jose event.

“Reno has put together a very attractive package to host the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships next year, one that will bolster the quality of the event for the participants, parents and others who will be in town attending the event,” USA Volleyball Managing Director of Events Michael Chandler said. “Logistically, USA Volleyball has worked with the hotels and local transportation to create discount express routing for the teams and families from the participating hotel properties to the convention center. Off the court, Reno offers many family-oriented attractions that will positively impact the enjoyment of the tournament experience.”

Photo: USA Volleyball Players, coaches and fans pay respect to the flag as the United States National Anthem is played during the 2008 USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships. Based on informal surveys with participants from recent Junior National Championships, USA Volleyball has worked hard to address many of the concerns.

“We feel teams will see a reduction in expenses in many different ways from hotel costs, eating at restaurants and parking,” Chandler said. “This should be a welcome change from the most recent experience.”

“With participants representing all 50 states, this prestigious sporting event is significant for the region,” said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA president and CEO. “We are delighted to welcome USA Volleyball participants and their families to the area. The destination is a family-friendly place offering an authentic, fun and exciting experiences for all visitors. We are confident that they will have a great experience.”

“It is very exciting to host these talented young women in the destination,” Oppenheim added. “USA Volleyball’s presence in the community is lively, vibrant and fun. Their positive energy and enthusiasm will be felt throughout our region, in our restaurants, shops and beyond.”

Known as the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno provides countless outdoor opportunities including Triple-A minor league baseball, top-notch golf courses and kayaking packages, art experiences and special events. You can also receive the royal treatment at one of many world-class spas or spend time at the gaming tables or slots in the many casino-resorts.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located just 15 minutes from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, welcomes all major airline carriers with 17 non-stop destinations and over 35 one-stop destinations.

“The Region, Board of Directors and Office Staff for the Northern California Volleyball Association (NCVA) is proud, and thrilled that USAV has selected Reno as the host city for the 2010 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships,” NCVA CEO/Commissioner Donna Donaghy said. “We are looking forward to this event and being able to contribute to the success of a having an event of this caliber in our backyard. As the Region that hosts the Far Western Junior National Qualifier in Reno, we have personally experienced the generosity and welcoming atmosphere of the city to all volleyball events and their participants.”

Going into its 31st running, the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championship attracts nearly 9,500 athletes annually to the event hosted by USA Volleyball. The tournament will crown 19 champions in age divisions ranging from 12 to 18. Further, the event draws not only thousands of family and friends, but hundreds of college recruiters looking for the next top players for their programs.

For additional information on Reno, visit the city's interactive brochure by clicking here.

About USA Volleyball

Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States.

USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 240,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,000 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $11 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and ParalympicTeams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles.

USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.