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Almost four decades later, Mexican Legend Blanca Garcia is back
at a World Championship Stage
MILAN, Italy, October 12, 2014.- It was 40 years ago when Mexico
hosted the FIVB Men’s and Women’s world championships in several
cities, from the borders of Baja California to the center of the
country.
Poland conquered the Men’s crown, while Japan claimed it the
gold in women’s. That happened in 1974. That was a very special
year in sports and culture. The “New Latin American Trova”, a
musical movement inspired in social changes was still very
popular with some authors and singers like Cuba’s Pablo Milanes,
for example.
Just six years before the Mexican capitol had hosted the 1968
Olympic Games. At that same time, many youngsters dreamed about
the chances of representing their country at the greatest stage.
Among them there was a beautiful, athletic lady that captured
the attention of the press and their foreign colleagues.
Her name was Blanca Garcia, a 6 foot 1 (1.85 meters) woman with
a wonderful strength and technique. She was part of a group of
players in Male and Female gender that were detected and
prepared as part of the Olympic Project.
Just four years after hosting the FIFA Football World Cup in
1970, Mexico was prepared for another big sports challenge: 2
World Volleyball Championships with a wonderful opening ceremony
at the National Auditorium in Mexico City.
These are just a few memories that come to every volleyball
lover’s mind when talking about Garcia and the members of the
1968 Olympic team and the 1974 World Championship squad.
She has been considered as the greatest female volleyball player
in Mexico and one of the best of by the Norceca Volleyball
Confederation.
Just like 40 years ago, “Doña Blanca” (“Mrs. Blanca”) appeared
at a volleyball stage. Now as a special guest at the FIVB World
Championship finals celebrated in Milano. She had the chance to
greet and live again such wonderful memories of her playing
years along with FIVB President Dr Ary Graça, as well as FIVB
First Executive Vice President and Norceca President, Cristobal
Marte Hoffiz.
The Mexican legend that received a special tribute along with
some other members of Men’s and Women’s Olympic teams in 2013
during the VIII Men’s Pan American Cup in Mexico City had also
the chance to follow the Mexican team during their participation
at the Italy 2014 Women’s World Championship a few weeks before.
Her daughter Marion Frias was part of the National team roster
that qualified to the Championship and also played at the FIVB
World Grand Prix this year for the first time ever. It was a
special moment for her four decades after she played a World
competition in her native country.
In 1974 the Mexican volleyball teams finished in 10th place in
both genders achieving one of their best performance ever.
Blanca Garcia also played at the 1978 World Championships that
were celebrated in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg, Russia) in the
Former Soviet Union, when Mexico finished 15th and
the crown was claimed by Cuba.
No matter how many years go by, “Doña Blanca’s” eyes are always
bright when she gets close to a volleyball court. |
