June 5, 2007
New Mexico volleyball head coach Jeff Nelson announced this afternoon that the Lobos will take a spring training trip to China in 2008. The tour is slated for May 27 through June 7, 2008 and all family, friends and Lobo faithful are welcome to come along.
“This is so exciting for everyone in our program,” Nelson exclaimed! “I am grateful to the University and our administration for helping us to make this opportunity happen. The volleyball in China is outstanding, the level of discipline and work is so high. It will be great for our program to see that and learn from such an outstanding opportunity.”
The Lobos have five games set in place, playing on May 31, June 1, 2, 5 and 6. The opponents have yet to be named.
“It looks like we will be playing five matches in the cities of Beijing and Shanghai,” Nelson said. “The trip is open to all boosters, parents and friends of the program and we welcome everyone who wants to share this great opportunity with us.”
The itinerary for the trip is as follows:
May 27 – Depart
Leave Albuquerque, N.M. for Beijing, China
May 28 – China Arrival
Arrive at Beijing International Airport. You will be met by your local guide and see part of Beijing on your way to the Jian Gui Garden Hotel in the heart of downtown Beijing. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
May 29 – Forbidden City
Tour the Forbidden City, home of the former Emperors of China, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. A visit to Chairman Mao’s Tomb is also scheduled along with the first UNM practice of the trip.
May 30 – Great Wall
Visit and climb the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs, with a visit to a cloisonne workshop along the way. Stop at Walkway of Spirits.
May 31 – Hutong District
Lobos play their first game in the morning! In the afternoon, tour te Hutong District by pedicab and visit the Temple of Heaven. Spend some time visiting Silk Alley. That night, experience a traditional Peking duck dinner. After dinner, enjoy a Chinese Acrobat Show!
June 1 – Quing Dynasty Quarters
The Lobos play in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Dashala and Liulichang, the restored old Quing Dynasty quarters and the busy street of Beijing near Qianmen Gate.
June 2 – Free Day and Game
New Mexico plays in the morning. The rest of the day is open to enjoy whatever you wish.
June 3 – Shanghai
Flight to Shanghai in the morning, head to Holiday Inn Great Wall Hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Old City and the Yuyuan Gardens and take some time to stroll the Bund, the most famous street in the city.
June 4 – Pudong Area
Visit the Pudong area and go to the top of the TV tower where you will get a breathtaking view of Shanghai. Continue on to the Museum of the People’s Square. The Lobos will also practice early in the day. The afternoon is free!
June 5 – Free Day and Match
Game in the morning, afternoon is free.
June 6 – Jade Budda Temple
Final game is in the morning. Visit the Jade Budda Temple in the afternoon.
June 7 – Return to the U.S.
After breakfast, head to the Shanghai Airport for the flight home.
“I never thought athletics would open such doors for me,” sophomore outside hitter Rose Morris said. “I realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I have, and I am going to take full advantage of it. Submersing in a culture so different from ours is a true learning experience I am eager to have. I know it is something that my teammates and I will never forget and always have in common. I am so excited to play and compete. I am truly grateful for the opportunity.”
The trip costs $3,199 per person. Included in the package are round-trip airfare, English speaking local guides, hotel accommodations, private coach, all meals, all tours and entrance fees, admission to Chinese acrobat show.
“It is a great opportunity for our team to experience a different culture and an International level of volleyball,” Steve Hendricks, assistant coach, said.
For more information on the trip or to sign up, click here.