The legend of Rosa Garcia goes on

LIMA, Peru, June 14, 2013 - Thirteen years after her last appearance as an Olympic athlete in Sydney, Rosa Garcia is still seen as a symbol of the Peruvian Volleyball.

Garcia, known as “China” for the fans and the media, has played a very important role in the development of the XII Women’s Pan American Cup. As part of the Peruvian Volleyball Federation, the Olympic medalist was in charge of the Organizing Committee in the city of Huacho.

But after finishing the first part of the tournament there, China moved to Lima ready to continue with her duties.

“She is one of the greatest values of Peru and world volleyball,” said First FIVB Executive Vice President and Pan American Volleyball Union President, Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, at the team-briefing meeting on Thursday evening at Los Delfines Hotel in Lima. “As a setter in 1988, she won the silver medal for her country at the Olympic Games of Seoul, and we are so proud for having here with us.”

One of the most emotional moments at the Pan Am Cup occurred during a visit to the Laguna Encantada Park in Huacho with members of the Control Committee. Right there many little boys and girls who were camping came by and asked for the Olympic medalist. Once they found her, they requested for photos and autographs.

“They didn’t saw me playing, they were not even born at the time, but their parents did and maybe because of that they talk to their children about it,” China said.

Garcia played in four Olympic Games: Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 and Sydney 2000. During Rosa’s tenure as setter, the Peruvian team finished fourth in Moscow, sixth in Los Angeles, second in Seoul and eleventh in Sydney.

She also won a Bronze medal with her country at the FIVB Women’s World Championship in Czechoslovakia in 1986 and a silver medal at the Pan Am Games of Indianapolis 1987.