“GBC Gran Santo Domingo Volleyball Cup” Kicks Off This Weekend with 8 Clubs in Los Prados

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 31, 2025. – The first-ever GBC “Gran Santo Domingo 2025” U17 Women’s Volleyball Cup will open this Saturday with the participation of eight clubs—four from Santo Domingo Province and four from the National District—starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Los Prados Club facilities.

The president of the National Volleyball Teams Project, Mr. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, received the trophy that will be awarded in the tournament, which will take place over the next four weekends.

“We thank businessman and sports supporter Raymond Rodríguez, president of the GBC Foundation, for once again supporting this project, where the future of volleyball continues to emerge,” said Marte Hoffiz.

Immediately afterward, Marte Hoffiz, together with Rodríguez, presented uniforms to a group of three athletes representing each club and distributed equipment to the coaches. The donation of sports equipment to the clubs was made on behalf of NORCECA.

Marte praised the work of Dominican volleyball legends and former “Queens of the Caribbean” Milagros Cabral and Cosiris Rodríguez, as well as future Hall of Famer Prisilla Rivera.

Participating in the first GBC “Gran Santo Domingo 2025” Volleyball Cup are the clubs from the National District: Cachorros de Cristo Rey, Futuro Volleyball Club, Varias Luces, and Club Naco. Representing Santo Domingo Province are Calero, Invivienda, Renovación de los Alcarrizos, and Malanga de Manoguayabo.

The event also featured the presence of athletes from the Queens of the Caribbean, as well as members of the U17 and U21 national teams, and the national team coaches. Ángel Rivas, president of ASOVODINA, was also in attendance.

For his part, Raymond Rodríguez, president of the GBC Foundation, said this partnership represents an ongoing commitment to women’s volleyball, a sport that has consistently raised the Dominican flag high in international competitions.

“You, the young 17-year-old athletes, carry a great responsibility because you will soon become the future Queens of the Caribbean. I urge you to work hard, respect your elders, and never give up on your education,” Rodríguez told the players, accompanied by Francisca Santana, the company’s marketing and events director.

Rodríguez added that, as a company, GBC has embraced this cause from the very first edition of the GBC Gran Santo Domingo Volleyball Cup, emphasizing the organization’s social commitment and the role of volleyball as a strong national symbol.

“Since our foundation, we have worked closely with the health sector. We are committed to general well-being, and sports are one of the most complete expressions of that—it fosters discipline and personal growth,” he concluded.