The 2010 Macao Galaxy Entertainment FIVB World Grand Prix was launched at the Macao Forum on 13th August. On behalf of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cecilia Cheung So Mui presided over a simple yet solemn meet the player ceremony and dragon-eye dotting ceremony.
This year, the second round of the FIVB World Grand Prix was staged in Macao. The four participating teams were Brazil, China, Netherlands and the Dominican Republic. Brazil has been the champion of the Macao Stage for the past two years and is ranked number one in the world. China was champion of the Chengdu Stage, and ranks second in the world. The Netherlands was first runner-up in the 2009 Women’s European Volleyball Championship, while the Dominican Republic was this year’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup champion.
The Grand Prix successfully concluded on 16th August. The Brazil team performed at optimal level, beating its rivals in three matches to win the Macao Stage championship. China was the first runner-up as the result of an erratic performance due to the absence of their main players. The Dominican Republic and the Netherlands were second runner-up and third runner-up, respectively.
Five special prizes were awarded: Wei Qiuyue of the China team was awarded Best Setter, Thaisa Menezes of Brazil was awarded Best Blocker and Best Server, while Sheilla Castro was recognised as Best Spiker and Best Scorer. Xue Ming of China won ‘My Favourite Galaxy Star Player’ with 1,334 votes.
The awards ceremony was presided over by Macao Chief Executive Chui Sai On. Guests in attendance included Wei Jizhong, President of the FIVB, Chen Ling, Director-General of the Consular Affairs Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR, delegate Wang Lujiao from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR, Cheung Soi Mui, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Bureau, Vong Iao Lek, President of the Macao Sport Development Board, Ma Iao Ian, Director of the Macao-China Volleyball Association, and Michael Mecca, CEO and President of the Galaxy Entertainment Group, the title sponsor of the Grand Prix.
