Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships Underway in Utah

Event to spike local economy by tens of millions

Salt Lake City (July 3, 2008) – Beginning July 2 and continuing through July 10, approximately 400 of the nation’s best junior volleyball teams from across the country will compete for the 2008 championship title. It is projected that up to 35,000 people will travel to Utah for the 2008 USA Junior Olympic Boys Volleyball National Championships at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy. The tournament will be the fourth United States Volleyball Junior Olympic Championship event that the state has hosted in the past eight years, with these four events generating an estimated $140-145 million in economic impact to the State of Utah.

“Sports have become a key economic driver for our state,” said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. “Having this major USA Volleyball national championship event come to Utah will bring significant economic impact and image building opportunities to our state.”

“We are excited about bringing another Junior Olympic Volleyball National Championship to Utah,” said Mike Chandler, USA Volleyball’s Managing Director of Events. “The Girls’ Volleyball National Championship events previously hosted were a tremendous success due to the great support received from the local organizing committee and the community. We are excited to be returning to Utah.”

In addition to the high level of competition, the event will generate a significant economic impact to the area. Up to 35,000 spectators and participants are expected to travel to Utah for the event. It is anticipated that those participants and spectators will generate an economic impact of $30-$35 million during their stay.

“An event of this magnitude doesn’t roll around all too often, so we’re excited to welcome all the participants and their family members to Sandy,” said Sandy City Mayor Tom Dolan. “This event is a great example of how we can generate significant economic impact for our local businesses through hosting sports events.”

“We are thrilled to be hosting another USAV Championship event,” said Kim Norman, Executive Director of Intermountain Volleyball Association. “We hope they take home great memories of the Championships and of the State of Utah.”