University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Volleyball Invited to Compete in Japan
2/18/2019 9:47:00 AM | Volleyball
The University of Minnesota volleyball has been invited to compete in Okayama, Japan, from March 17-24, 2019. This is the second time the Golden Gopher volleyball program has taken its international trip to Japan in the past five years, and the first in Okayama.
The Gophers will train and compete against the All-Japan University Team, which will represent their country in this year's World University Games. The two teams will be hosted by International Pacific University (IPU).
"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to Japan to compete," head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. "The All-Japan University team is comprised of the best University aged players from their country and will provide great competition for us. Their skill, speed, systems and power will provide our athletes a unique opportunity to learn. We are grateful for the help and hospitality of the JVA, IPU and the city of Okayama."
The Gophers will arrive in Okayama on March 17 and train and condition at the IPU facilities. With multiple gyms, a weight training center, cafeteria and dining halls, the Gophers will utilize IPU's athletic facilities throughout the week. Founded in 2007, IPU is a private coed higher education institution that is accredited by Japan's ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology.
Okayama is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and the second-largest city in the Chugoku region. Along with their volleyball training, the Gophers will have chances to experience the sights, sounds and culture of Japan.
Yuko Arikida, Tokyo 2020 and JVA board member, and Chairperson of the National Teams' Commission of the Japan Volleyball Association, has once again played an integral role in helping the Gophers come to Japan.
"Four years ago, the Japan Volleyball Association welcomed Gopher Volleyball to the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo," Arikida said. "This time, we are delighted to welcome Gopher Volleyball to Okayama-City, which is full of cultural and historical treasures. For Gopher Volleyball, this will be a special opportunity to get to know Japan outside Tokyo. Furthermore, by staying and training on the campus of the IPU with our All-Japan university team, Gopher Volleyball will be acquainted with the life of Japan's university students and help them prepare for The World University Games, which will be held in Naples, Italy in July. I wish Hugh and Gopher Volleyball a fruitful stay in Japan and good luck in the future and I hope our close relationship will continue."
The Gophers will train and compete against the All-Japan University Team, which will represent their country in this year's World University Games. The two teams will be hosted by International Pacific University (IPU).
"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to Japan to compete," head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. "The All-Japan University team is comprised of the best University aged players from their country and will provide great competition for us. Their skill, speed, systems and power will provide our athletes a unique opportunity to learn. We are grateful for the help and hospitality of the JVA, IPU and the city of Okayama."
The Gophers will arrive in Okayama on March 17 and train and condition at the IPU facilities. With multiple gyms, a weight training center, cafeteria and dining halls, the Gophers will utilize IPU's athletic facilities throughout the week. Founded in 2007, IPU is a private coed higher education institution that is accredited by Japan's ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology.
Okayama is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and the second-largest city in the Chugoku region. Along with their volleyball training, the Gophers will have chances to experience the sights, sounds and culture of Japan.
Yuko Arikida, Tokyo 2020 and JVA board member, and Chairperson of the National Teams' Commission of the Japan Volleyball Association, has once again played an integral role in helping the Gophers come to Japan.
"Four years ago, the Japan Volleyball Association welcomed Gopher Volleyball to the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Tokyo," Arikida said. "This time, we are delighted to welcome Gopher Volleyball to Okayama-City, which is full of cultural and historical treasures. For Gopher Volleyball, this will be a special opportunity to get to know Japan outside Tokyo. Furthermore, by staying and training on the campus of the IPU with our All-Japan university team, Gopher Volleyball will be acquainted with the life of Japan's university students and help them prepare for The World University Games, which will be held in Naples, Italy in July. I wish Hugh and Gopher Volleyball a fruitful stay in Japan and good luck in the future and I hope our close relationship will continue."
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