Players at the opening ceremony.

The third Invitational Volleyball Cup organised by Volleyball Officiating Club in co-operation with the Qatar Volleyball Association and which opened on Friday, features six teams each in the men’s and women’s sections.
The teams in the men’s section include Pinoy Rocks Knights, Bahay ni Kuya, Mowasalat, Nepal, Ravens and McDonalds and women’s section has Angry Birds, Qatar Women’s Team ‘A,’ Qatar Women’s Team ‘B,’ I Love Qatar, Team Aktor and Team X.
On behalf of VOC president Edwin Gonzales, tournament director Erick Cruz welcomed the players and guests. Marcelina Mouelhi, the 2011 most valuable player, administered the oath of sportsmanship to the participating teams.
The opening ceremony also featured the Beats and Bytes dancers, and famous Filipino rappers Mad Ace, Bigbone and Trece Familia. One of the sponsor’s mascot, Jollibee also entertained the audience.
The elimination games are scheduled for June 1, June 15, June 22 and June 29, with the semi-finals on July 6 and the finals on July 13 at the QVBA indoor hall.
This year’s presenters include Sports Corner and Al Emadi Enterprises with sponsors, Western Union, Jollibee, Ali Café and Power Horse.
The community partners include Karwa SmartCard/Mowasalat, Filipino Community Centre, Boracay Restaurant, Simply Pinoy Guide, Beats and Bytes Production, Beats and Bytes Dancers and the official event photographer Team Creation and Concept.
“This year’s volleyball cup will also showcase a photo exhibition, team fans club contest, bazaars, entertainment from Beats and Bytes dancers, rap singers and various food displays,” Gonzales said.