by Sherrylyn A. Toppin

It will cost the Barbados Volleyball Association (BVA) $400 000 to stage the 12th Caribbean Volleyball Championships (CVC) here at the Wildey Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex from July 13 to 21.

Jamaica were originally slated to host the championships but indicated in January they would be unable to do so following the election of a new executive.

"We estimate – if nothing major happens to the economy over the next two months – that it will cost $400 000 to execute; $300 000 alone goes to meals accommodation and transportation for the participating teams,"
said John Griffith,
BVA president and chairman
of the organising committee.

During the Press launch at the Olympic Centre yesterday,
he explained those costs weren't significantly higher when compared to the last staging
in 2004 because Barbados didn't have to buy equipment this time.

However, he noted the BVA couldn't afford a loss on the tournament since it would affect the youth, junior and beach programmes.

Griffith said half of the costs would be raised through sponsorship, but gate receipts would be key, as well as the sale of merchandise during the week-long event.

Organisers expect that between 15 000 to 20 000 people will attend the tournament, and Griffith said they intended to provide an exciting entertainment package to bring people back night after night with product giveaways and great volleyball.

It will be a record fourth hosting by any country and Griffith said everyone would be gunning for Barbados.

"Barbados represents the main target for participating teams
who are seeking, on Barbados soil, to dethrone the ten-time [men's] champions, which would be a significant event if it does
come about."

Dominance

Griffith assured the audience that Barbados would "defend both our male and female dominance
of this particular event" despite the preparation taking place
in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.

Organisers are also hoping to install jumbotrons (massive television screens) in the gymnasium during the games to provide instant replays.

Representatives from the Barbados Olympic Association,
the National Sports Council, SBI Distribution Inc., B&B Distribution, The Drywall Store, Co-operators' General Insurance, Grand Barbados Hotel, Worthing Court Hotel, Pirates' Inn, Golden Sands Hotel and Gymnasium Limited also pledged their support. Other sponsors include Digicel Barbados Ltd., Barbados National Bank and Goddard Enterprises Ltd.