SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 10, 2005.- Argentina comes to the Pan American Cup very optimistic about its chances of taking the one available ticket for South America in the 2006 World Grand Prix.

“I like our chances against Brazil who is bringing a junior but very experienced team,” said Alejandro Arconada, the Argentinean head coach during the press conference prior to the beginning of the event. “We also have a young team, but we are here to win that place and that’s our goal.”

Here is what the rest of the coaches said during the press conference at luxurious Dominican Fiesta Hotel:

Paul Payne, Barbados: “It is a good opportunity for us to compete at this level and shall be a learning experience for us. I am proud to be around so great coaches that I have seen only on TV.”

Antonio Rizola, Brazil: “I respect the quality of the rest of the teams. We are once again in the Pan American Cup with a junior team but I am confident that we can take the berth of South America in next year Grand Prix.”

Lorne Sawula, Canada: “We are in the early stages of a long term process of building our team for the new Olympic cycle. We have new players and here they will learn how hard you have to work to be competitive.”

Braulio Godinez, Costa Rica: “This is our second participation in the cup. We see it as a chance to prepare our team for the second round tournament for the World Championship also here in Dominican Republic.”

Eugenio George, Cuba: “Cuba is bringing some new players along with the well known veterans. This will be the chance for the new ones to learn from this competition which every year is stronger. Our goal, of course, is to be in the Grand Prix next year.”

Francisco Cruz, Dominican Republic: “Our goal is to be in the top three like in the past editions. The team is well prepared and recently in China the younger players had the chance to compete and prove themselves.”

Ortney Findlay, Jamaica: “It is a pleasure to participate at this level. We are going to learn a lot, but on the court we are going to try our best against all the teams.”

Marco Heredia, Mexico: “We hope to be among the best teams of the event. Our squad is ready to battle on the court. We feel very proud to participate once again.”

Juan Carlos Nunez, Puerto Rico: “We are coming here after two friendly series against Argentina and Canada. The team is well prepared and with the big hope of reaching the Grand Prix next year.”

Lang Ping, USA: “I am very new to my team and still don’t know very much about some of my players. We have two players from the past Olympic team, so for the young players will be a good experience. I am confident of our chances to compete with the best teams here.”

Faustina Guedes, Venezuela: “We have a young team with great desire to play and to win. This is going to be a great experience and a good way to prepare us for the Bolivarian Games.”