Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, July 1, 2009 - The local Organizing Committee based in Nakhon Ratchasima, a city located in the north-east of Thailand and some hours drive from Bangkok, is steadily fine-tuning the preparations for the opening of the 2009 FIVB Girls" Youth World Championships. Most of the teams, including defending champion China, already arrived to the competition venue and started their training sessions, seeking for the very best shape in what promises to be an exciting competition.

Thai people have been demonstrating all their kindness and hospitality in welcoming the foreign delegations and actually that is not a real wonder, since Thailand is internationally known as the "land of smile". The facilities arranged for the Championships are more than impressive: the main hall is located within a huge shopping mall and is likely to be visited by lots of spectators, namely young students who are walking around there after the end of their classes for some relax and fun. People aiming at attending the matches to be staged in the second hall will need a short drive, but this is well worthy since the Chalermphrakiat Gym is located within a magnificent sports complex that was especially built for the 2007 South East Asian Games (it includes an imposing Olympic stadium, a velodrome, swimming complex etc.) and dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol.

Japan's Katsumi Wakao, President of the Control Committee, is more than pleased with the cooperation with the Thai officials and has been regularly praising his counterpart in the various meetings that have been staged so far: "We have very experienced people here, so I fully rely on the Organizing Committee for a successful organization of these Championships".

More than 100 journalists are expected for the matches of the Thai team, with the local girls aiming at displaying some great performances in front of their home audience. The matches of the Thais will be all televised and additional coverage will be provided for the games featuring the likes of Peru, traditionally a major force in youth volleyball. To cope with the jet lag, all matches of the South Americans have been slated for 10.30 am (local time) and will therefore open the actions in the main hall.

The very last delegations, namely Italy and Mexico, are supposed to arrive late this afternoon, i.e. in due time to participate in the Technical Meeting and official Press Conference scheduled for tomorrow morning.