Lausanne, Switzerland, 24 June 2005 - Three countries from the Norceca Confederation (Cuba, USA and Dominican Republic) are taking part in the World Grand Prix, the prestigious competition that each year brings together 12 of volleyball's top women's teams.

The feminine grace, emotion, and outstanding technique of the players make this a thrilling contest! This year again, as in 2004, a large part of the tournament is taking place in Asia, starting today and running through 18 July.

Four weeks of fierce struggle with a suspenseful outcome guaranteed. A telling figure: last year, the World Grand Prix was broadcast in 195 countries by more than 20 television networks.

Reggio Calabria, the Pearl of South in Italy and site of the 2003 finals, will be hosting the Group B competition. Cuba and Dominican Republic start playing here while USA is in Ningbo, China.

Felipe Calderon, the Cuban coach, plans to use the Grand Prix as a seasoning process for his younger players after winning the Pan American Cup. But the duo of Yumilka Ruiz and Zoila Barros is still the corner stone of a great team.

Francisco Cruz, the Dominican coach, said his side is a mix of young and veteran players with hopes of improving from last year participation where they beat Poland to claim their only victory.

Meanwhile, Lang Ping continues to get knowing of the USA team she is coaching since the past two weeks. Nancy Metcalf and Tayyiba Haneef are her main attackers.

For the preliminary rounds, the twelve teams are divided into three pools. Japan, Brazil, Korea and Poland will compete in Group A in Tokyo.

Italy, Cuba, Germany, and the Dominican Republic will contend in Group B in Reggio Calabria.

And finally China, the Netherlands, the United States and Thailand will battle it out in Ningbo, China.

The final of the World Grand Prix will take place in Sendai, Japan, from 13 to 18 July. But before they reach Sendai, the athletes will have played in preliminary rounds in Macau, Seoul, Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Taiwan.

Today, the World Grand Prix kicks off with the following matches: Brazil-Korea, USA-Netherlands, Japan-Poland, China-Thailand, Cuba-Germany and Italy-Dominican Republic.