Members of the 2008 Olympic gold medal winning U.S. Men’s National Volleyball team scheduled to be in attendance include Tom Hoff (team captain), Rich Lambourne, David Lee, Ryan Millar, Reid Priddy, Riley Salmon and Scott Touzinsky, as well as head coach Hugh McCutcheon and assistant coaches Ron Larsen and Jay Hosack. The City will be represented by Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and City Council members.

“Anaheim is proud to be the host city for the 2008 Olympic gold medal U.S. Men’s National Volleyball team,” said Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle. “A community celebration like this is our way to honor the players and coaches for this incredible achievement.” Pringle also went on to say, “This will be one of the few opportunities to express appreciation to Coach McCutcheon and the players. We are looking forward to supporting the team in their training and preparation for future competitions and the 2012 Olympic Games.”

During the course of the Olympic Games Men’s Volleyball competition, the U.S. team was the only team to go undefeated (8-0), and in their final game of competition handed #1 ranked Brazil their second loss of the Games and the silver medal. The U.S. team entered the 2008 Olympic Games with the expectation to do well and to medal. However, they exceeded expectations and their inspirational play was one of the highlights of the entire Olympic Games.

GardenWalk is located at 321 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802. Parking entrances can be accessed off both Katella Avenue and Disney Way. The community is encouraged to enter the parking structure via Disney Way. The celebration will take place in the Gala Garden, which is located on Level 2, near the concierge desk. Parking at GardenWalk is free for any visitor's first two hours, and complimentary parking passes will be available for guests attending Saturday’s event who remain at GardenWalk for longer than two hours.

ABOUT ANAHEIM AND THE U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM: In 2006, the City of Anaheim welcomed the U.S. Men’s National team as they moved its training headquarters to Anaheim from Colorado Springs, Colo. The move proved to be beneficial. On Aug. 24, the team won the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The team represented the only country in this year’s Olympic Men’s Volleyball competition to go undefeated (8-0). Led by head coach Hugh McCutcheon, the team beat #1 world ranked Brazil in the finals, handing Brazil its second loss of the Games and a silver medal. Team USA is currently ranked #2 in the world. The volleyball gold medal is the first for the United States since 1988 and the first medal since 1992, when the team won bronze.

Clay Stanley, playing the opposite position, was named the tournament MVP and finished as the best scorer with 146 points on 116 kills, 15 blocks and 15 aces. He was also the leading server. Rich Lambourne, from Tustin, Calif., was Team USA’s best digger (1.94 digs/set), best receiver (63.91 success percent), and best libero (60.81 success percent). Lloy Ball was the United States’ best setter (6.30 assists/set), and David Lee, from Alpine, Calif., was its best blocker (1.00 blocks/set).

From the moment the team announced its move to Anaheim and its new home training facility, the American Sports Centers, the City embraced the team and the sport with open arms. Local businesses immediately offered their support, and served as a partner to national sponsors. Those businesses include the American Sports Centers, the Anaheim White House Restaurant, CATZ, J.T. Schmid’s Restaurant, and Mimi’s Restaurant. Community members are embracing the sport of volleyball, evidenced by the large crowd at the City’s send-off celebration prior to the Olympic Games. Anaheim is proud to call the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball squad – the Olympic gold medal winner – one of the City’s home teams.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media trucks can park via Disney Way and Clementine Sreet, in the first service entrance driveway, just before the Fire Station. The Gala Garden area can be accessed by taking the elevator or escalator to Level 2.

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ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.