the largest ever-private investment in amateur athletics

"The quest for Olympic Gold next summer in Athens continues this month when the top six men's and women's pro beach volleyball teams from the United States take on the world at the Swatch FIVB World Tour Grand Slam Olympic Qualifier set for September 18-21, 2003 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The event, which is part of the Swatch FIVB World Tour, is the only time this year the world's best will compete on U.S. soil and will feature teams from over 40 countries. It also is a major step for U.S. players to gain valuable qualifying points to represent the country in the Summer Olympics next year. Prize money is $300,000 making it one of the largest purses on the international circuit and the richest in the U.S."