AFTER 15 game days of world-class action, the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship ended, with Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara dedicating the country’s successful hosting to the Filipino fans.
With 32 of the world’s best teams competing, including the Philippines’ very own Alas Pilipinas, the World Championship closed with an exhilarating final duel between eventual back-to-back champion Italy and runner-up Bulgaria, capped by a grand closing ceremony.
Italy, led by tournament MVP Alessandro Michieletto, skipper Simone Giannelli and ace Yuri Romano, triumphantly defended its crown in front of 15,682 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Well, I think I’d like to give this tribute to our Filipino fans. Today, I think it’s 16,000. Kundi dahil sa fans, hindi maggiing successful iyong World Championship natin,” Suzara said.
“I know there are a lot of ups and downs in preparing for this World Championship. But now, they know that the Philippines can host any World Championship,” he added.
During the awarding ceremony, members of the Alas side who had a remarkable stint in the world handed out the trophy to team Italy in a cinematic presentation.
“I feel very emotional because iyong Alas Pilipinas was given a chance to award the trophy to the winners for the first time. It’s like a mini-Olympics na ipinasa iyong torch,” Suzara, also the chief of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, said. “It’s really something different that we are proud as Filipinos and I think we will continue.
“There’s a seven-year volleyball development plan for the Philippines and the government, sa PSC (Philippine Sports Commission).”
Suzara admitted that although there is still room for improvement, the local organizing committee performed its best to give a top-notch and outstanding hosting that received praises from the teams.
“Of course, they say it’s the best ever, unforgettable, but we still need to improve a lot in some areas,” he said.
“But I think we have given our best. All the players and the coaches are all high praise sa atin. Iyong support ng tao and the fans, that’s number one.”
