Goma among spikers seeking berths in Phl squad

MANILA, Philippines - Aspirants for the men’s national volleyball team have been pruned down to 30 with Philippine Volleyball Federation president Francis Vicente set to name the members on March 9 in time for the 2014 PLDT HOME Fibr Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship, also set next month.

Actor-sportsman Richard Gomez is among those undergoing tryouts at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum with the volleyball ambassador of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) tipped to make history as the only Filipino athlete to join his fourth national team in various sports.

Gomez first joined the national team for rowing in the early 1990s before becoming a national fencer, winning a SEA Games bronze medal in 1995. He also bagged two silver medals in 1997 in Jakarta, another silver in 2001 in Malaysia, a gold medal in 2003 in Vietnam and another gold medal in 2005 in Manila.

Gomez also doubled as a shotgun entry in shooting in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila, where he placed fourth.

“I am determined to join the men’s volleyball team,” said Gomez. “I’ve been joining the tryouts since coach Francis issued the call and I’m not going to miss this chance at serving the flag once more.” 

“Gomez would be a welcome addition to the new national team. Aside from his leadership, his experience playing the three national teams will be a big factor for the team,” said AMCC organizing committee chairman Philip “Ella” Juico, also a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The event is co-organized with SportsCore, which has an extensive background in organizing international events.

TV-5 will be the official broadcast partner of the AMCC. All games by the Philippine team will be televised live.

Signal will also provide volleyball fans with live streaming of the games. 

PLDT will provide technical support and title sponsor PLDT Home Fibr will provide assistance through its powerful broadband.