SANTO DOMINGO (2010 Centrobasket Championship) – The Dominican Republic was announced officially as the host of the 2010 Centrobasket Championship which is the qualifier for the Central American and Caribbean region for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic).

The tournament will be held at Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto of Santo Domingo from July 5-11, 2010. This coliseum was the host of the 2005 FIBA Americas Championship, among other events.

FIBA Americas Secretary General, Mr. Alberto Garcia, visited the Dominican capital to meet with the authorities and sign the contract. Garcia said that the effort put by the Dominican Federation and the support from the Dominican Olympic Committee, the government and the local businesses was key in making the decision to make the tournament in the Dominican Republic.

During his visit Garcia inspected the coliseum and told the authorities to improve the air conditioning system which is currently working at 30% capacity. The Secretary General added that he didn't find more problems and the arena was in good playing condition.

"It is very important to recognize the effort put by the Dominicans to be the host because if they didn't organize the tournament they were going to be out of the Olympic Cycle and that is not good for anybody. Ruperto Herrera, President of CONCENCABA, expressed his best wishes and is committed to help so this tournament is a success," said Garcia.

In a press conference the President of the Dominican Basketball Federation, Mr. Frank Herasme, thanked the Secretary General for the vote of confidence and promised that this tournament will be the best in history.

This tournament ten national teams for the first time, they are: Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago and US Virgin Islands. The classification of Belize depends on the appeal result sent to Lausanne, Switzerland about the eligibility of some of their players that were in the 2009 COCABA Championship. If Belize loses the appeal, the next team that will qualify is Costa Rica.

The 2010 Centrobasket Championship qualifies the top four teams for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic), the top eight for the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and the top three for the 2011 Pan-American Games scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico.