AFTER GREAT EFFORTS OF FIVB AND CAVB:
AFRICAN GALA CHAMPIONSHIP IN ACTION

After many years of trials to establish an Afro-European competition, the first ever African Gala Championship will start today 18th July in Abuja-Nigeria in presence of two African teams, Egypt and the hosts Nigeria and two European teams, Russia and Portugal. The first Nigerian Lady, Chief Mrs. Stella Dbasanjo, the wife of Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will attend the opening ceremony as an Honour presedent of the competition.
Portugal will face Nigeria after the opening ceremony and then Egypt will play against Russia. In the second day 19th July Egypt will play against Nigeria and then Russia will face Portugal. In the third and final day 20th July Russia will face Nigeria then the final match between Egypt and Portugal.
Dr. Amr Elwani, the CAVB President said in the technical meeting the Africa owe to Dr. Acosta, the FIVB President who was the main reason to insist to establish this competition as a push for Africa Volleyball to reach the world level. He also thanked Mr. Gomel the Nigerian volleyball Federation president and also the Supreme Committee President for his efforts to host the championship.
The compettion will be also a preparation for the Organizing Committee of All Africa Games known to be held in Abuja 4-18 October 2003 as the indoor hall which will host the Gala championship will be the scene of All Africa Games.
Mr. Gomel did his best to succeed in this Gala as it will be a mirror for the comming All Africa Games which also will include a Ten Nations Volleyball Competition in both Men and Women categories.
Four International referees will share in the Gala, the Egyptian Hosny Youssef, the Nigerian Kuju as well as two neutral referees Charles Kamdoum from Cameroon and Daouda Sekongo from Cote D'Ivoire.