COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 24, 2021) – USA Volleyball signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Tuesday with three groups in Japan that will host U.S. teams preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mishima City, Japan plans to host the U.S. Men’s National Team for training prior to the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games, set to begin on July 23.
Ichinomiya City and Esashi Town in Japan plan to host the Women’s Sitting National Team for training prior to the Tokyo Paralympic Games, set to begin on Aug. 25.
“We are very grateful to you for hosting us to train immediately prior to the Olympics and Paralympics and our team is looking forward to interacting with you, your residents and your students, some of whom may become future Olympians and Paralympians themselves,” USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis told the cities in his prepared remarks.
“I am convinced that this partnership is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between USA Volleyball and (the Japanese sites) for years to come.”
The signing ceremonies were held via Zoom.
USA Volleyball attendees were:
Jamie Davis – President and CEO USA Volleyball
Bill Hamiter – Women’s Head Coach and Sitting Volleyball Program Director
Mike Wall – Men’s National Team Assistant Coach
Nate Ngo – Men’s National Team Performance Analyst
Jon Omori – Special Advisor to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Note: U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw was not able to attend due to a coaching commitment with UCLA
Attendees in Japan included:
Mayor Yonosuke Terui of Esashi Town
Mayor Masayasu Nakano of Ichinomiya City
Mayor Takeshi Toyooka of Mishima City
Gary Schaefer – Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, Japan