Long Beach State University Athletics
USA Volleyball receives magical sendoff prior to Olympics
7/20/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Volleyball
July 20, 2012
Anaheim, Calif. - Courtesy Bill Kauffman, USA Volleyball
Thanks to Disneyland Resorts in Southern California, the U.S. Men's and Women's Volleyball Teams received a magical and uplifting sendoff Tuesday in a parade on Main Street U.S.A. in front of thousands of well-wishers.
The City of Anaheim is the Official Host City of the U.S. Men's and Women's Volleyball Teams, both of which have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games that begin on July 28 in London. The U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team is ranked No. 1 in the world since November 2011, while the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team is the defending Olympic Games champions and ranked No. 5 in the world.
In addition to the parade at Disneyland park involving both programs, several players signed autographs at a City of Anaheim booth in front of ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
"It was fun to do it in Anaheim, where we train, and be able to represent the city," U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team outside hitter Sean Rooney said. "It was great to do it at Disneyland. Seeing everyone so excited makes us excited."
"I didn't know what to expect today," U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team setter and captain Lindsey Berg said. "The amount of support we received today, many who don't even know us, was outstanding. It was great to see the show of Olympic support for our team here today. It was a great opportunity for us to put ourselves in front of many new fans, and I want to thank Disney and the City of Anaheim for inviting us."
