General Archives

Development Center conducted Level I course in Santiago

Posted on March 15, 2023March 16, 2023

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 15, 2023.- The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center conducted a Level I course for Physical Education professors with the joint effort from the Volleyball Association of Santiago, Dominican Republic.

The three-day course, from March 10-12, had a total of 51 Physical Education professors from different schools and public education centers.

Wilson Sánchez and Francisco Lerebours were the instructors, who completed 30 hours divided in theory and practice sessions.

During the closing ceremony José Aybar, president of the Volleyball Association of Santiago, thanked the Development Center in supporting the fulfillment of this course and motivated all the participants to pass on to their students the knowledge they acquired, with the goal of promoting the practice of volleyball in their education centers.

Professor Nelson José Ramírez director of the Development Center congratulated the participants for showing great interest during the course and expressed that the NORCECA Confederation presided by Cristóbal Marte wishes to continue supporting National Federations in carrying out training courses for Physical Education professors.

AFECAVOL holds 2022 General Assembly

Posted on March 10, 2023March 13, 2023

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, March 10, 2023.- Representatives of the seven Central American National Federations members of AFECAVOL met in Guatemala to hold their 2022 General Assembly.

AFECAVOL president Félix Sabio expressed it was a successful General Assembly, highlighting the zonal associations’ efforts has been facing to overcome the difficulties after the pandemic, taking up challenges to organize zonal competitions and thanked the hosting countries.

Cristóbal Marte presented the NORCECA 2022 President report highlighting AFECAVOL organization skills and that of its members, as well as the support they have received from NORCECA.

Reports from AFECAVOL president, administrative secretary, treasurer and of the different working commissions were discussed, which also included presentations from the hosting countries.

The beach volleyball commission emphasized it will determine the grounds to organize the first Central American Tour in 2024 with the support from all seven National Federations.

Hosting countries of the 2023 Competition Schedule were approved (dates to be confirmed).

Volleyball

XXII Men’s Senior Central American Cup Belize

XXII Women’s Senior Central American Cup Nicaragua

VI Men’s U23 Championship Panama

VI Women’s U23 Championship El Salvador

* TBC: Belize said to be interested in hosting the XV Women’s U19 Championship which couldn’t be held last year.

Beach Volleyball

XXI Senior Championship W/M Guatemala

U17 and U19 Championship W/M Costa Rica

* TBC: Guatemala said to be interested in hosting the XV U21 Championship

Album Flickr |General Ordinary Assembly 2022

The Assembly endorsed the invitational Friendship Volleyball of Clubs in San Pedro Sula from June 16-18 making it clear that each Club must have their National Federation endorsement.

Cristóbal Marte suggested returning to determine an AFECAVOL rotative schedule, which they used to program before the pandemic.

AFECAVOL president requested that the General Assembly should be held in the last fifteen days of November or the first five days of December and not at the beginning of each year just like it does now; and that every four years to host a General Assembly and a General Election Assembly.

Felix Sabio closed the session saying he wishes for volleyball to continue to inspire all the countries, “I thank my fellow Central American presidents; it was a productive Assembly where we were able to decide the 2023 competition schedule” he added.

Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz said “it was a productive Assembly, I am pleased with AFECAVOL job, complying with the NORCECA Confederation regulations and especially for the active discussion from its members in an open session, every matter was voted for, strengthening the zone; I am satisfied the maturity of AFECAVOL”.

Women’s International Day webinar for International Female Referees

Posted on March 8, 2023March 13, 2023

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 8, 2023.- In commemoration of Women’s International Day the NORCECA Referee Commission held a webinar on Tuesday for international female referees with the theme of “Sharing Our Stories” to provide helpful information to support their growth and development.

Julie Voeck of the United States, member of the NORCECA Referee Commission, was in charge of moderating an open conversation in which NORCECA female referees had the opportunity to speak about their personal experiences refereeing at an international level.

Guy Bradbury, president of the NORCECA Referee Commission highlighted that the Referee Commission has been working for the equality within our sport and having a better understanding of female referees.

Ariel Sainz, NORCECA First Vice President also took part of the session, alongside other members of the NORCECA Referee Commission.

Beach Volleyball referees Claudia Guerrerro of Honduras and Suzanne Lowry of the United States, and Volleyball referees Cinthya Hernández of Costa Rica and Mary Carmen Durán of Mexico shared their stories of how they decided to become referees and the different challenges they have faced along their path.

One of the discussions during the webinar was how some of them shifted from being an athlete to refereeing, the opportunity they have been provided of meeting fellow referees which have contributed to their career and a better understanding of the rules of the game.

An important conversation came to the attention of the participants, was that in many events they are the only female referee officiating during an event, which has been challenging as on occasions they haven’t felt the same camaraderie when having the companion of another female referee.

The speakers agreed the importance of whistling as many national events as possible, providing them with a better preparation to approach difficult situations, dealing with coaches and players who are constantly questioning their decisions, which in the end helps them to improve with every match and for officiating at an international level.

Some of the challenging situations they have faced are balancing their personal careers and overcoming doubting themselves, but NORCECA has provided the necessary support.

The webinar concluded with the message to continue working hard and setting career goals, to become trustworthy referees and also taking on a teaching role for developing more female referees.

IOC President visits NORCECA headquarters

Posted on March 7, 2023March 12, 2023

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 7, 2023.- Thomas Bach, president of International Olympic Committee -IOC- visited the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation facilities whose headquarters are in Dominican Republic.

Thomas Bach, had the opportunity to take a walk around NORCECA headquarters during his official visit in Dominican Republic on the occasion of the opening of the head office of Centro Caribe Sports in Santo Domingo.

NORCECA president Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz accompanied COI president to show him the office in which all volleyball activities for the North, Central America and Caribbean continent take place.

“We are pleased that President Bach gets to visit our headquarters, where he have the mission of governing and promoting volleyball and beach volleyball of the zone, guaranteeing with the rules and regulations established by the International Volleyball Federation FIVB” expressed Cristóbal Marte.

During his visit he had the opportunity to tighten the relations that unite volleyball with the principles of the Olympic movement worldwide.

Bach congratulates “Reinas del Caribe”, ranked top 10 in world ranking

Posted on March 7, 2023March 12, 2023

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic,March 7, 2023.- International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach of Germany, said to be highly satisfied that the Dominican women’s volleyball national team has qualified for three Olympic Games, indicating the Project of National teams of Dominican Republic as “very productive”.

Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, president of the women’s project, Alexis García, president of FEDOVOLI and Nelson Ramírez, director of the men’s team, explained to the IOC president the way they manage the age-group categories of the institution.

“IOC president Thomas Bach had many questions, which we answered, and he claimed to be surprised that a small Caribbean country is ranked number eight in the FIVB world ranking” , said the FEDOVOLI vice president.

Marte Hoffiz introduced Bach to several members of the women’s team, youth, junior, under-23 and some of “las Reinas del Caribe” who are in Dominican Republic, as well as members of the coaching staff. He also learned about the men’s volleyball project and beach volleyball.

Thomas Bach meets “Reinas del Caribe”

“Welcome, Mr. President Bach”, that’ how the IOC president was greeted, who said excited: “very well, how are you, come closer, I like to speak with athletes and get to know how they feel”.

When he spoke with Niverka Marte, captain of the Senior Team, he learned that she speaks several languages, including German, his native language and laughed of joy. He also spoke with one of the girls of the women’s volleyball initiation category and gave them a big hug of encouragement.

“I have seen you on television playing, defending the colors of your country in international competitions and I congratulate you all for being champions at the Pan American and Central American Games”, which filled Niverka Marte with joy.

Thomas Bach and Niverka Marte

Bach also greeted some of the Executive Committee members, as well as volleyball immortal Heyda Joaquín, Cosiris Rodríguez and Milagros Cabral, who is the current General Director of the National Project.

Thomas Bach and Milagros Cabral

Centro Caribe Sports inaugurates head office in the Dominican Republic

Posted on March 6, 2023March 12, 2023

SANTO DOMINGO.- With the presence of the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, the sports leader of Panam Sports, Neven Ilic, and the attendance of the members of the Executive Committee, the head office of Centro Caribe Sports was inaugurated in the Dominican capital.

In a family atmosphere, the office of the oldest regional sports organization in the world was opened, where the President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Keith Joseph (SVG), the President of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Garibaldy Bautista, members of the Organizing Committee of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, Santo Domingo 2026, as well as other sports leaders of the Dominican Republic were present.

During the opening remarks, Luis Mejía Oviedo, President of Centro Caribe Sports, thanked the courtesy of the Vice President of the Republic, Mrs. Peña, the IOC President, Olympic champion, Thomas Bach, and his counterpart from Panam Sports, Neven Ilic, for being present on the historic night of Monday, March 6.

Mejía also emphasized the importance of the opening of the office: “The headquarters of the regional body of Central American and Caribbean sport is installed in the city of Santo Domingo, and its doors are open to the entire region and the continent”.

On his side, Bach addressed those present, valuing the initiative of President Mejía in inaugurating the Centro Caribe Sports office in the Dominican capital, taking into consideration that by 2026, it will be the next venue for the Central American and Caribbean Games, to be held in the capital of the Dominican Republic.

“The venue reflects the innovation that Mejía has always tried for years with the digital world, uniting sport with technology”, were the words of Bach during the event.

Bach presented the IOC President’s trophy, a recognition that represents the birth of an athlete or leader who emerges in a world where the sky is the limit.

The ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the Centro Caribe Sports office was done by Vice President Raquel Peña, followed by the unveiling of two photographs, inaugurating the Centro Caribe Sports Presidents Gallery, with photos of former presidents José Joaquín Puello Herrera (DOM) and Steve Stoute (BAR).

The office of Centro Caribe Sports is located on José Dolores Alfonseca Street, Corporate Building 11.

MIKASA and NORCECA Signing Ceremony

Posted on March 3, 2023March 13, 2023

Hiroshima, Japan, March 3, 2023- MIKASA CORPORATION (MIKASA) and the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) announced a massive 8-year agreement on February 27, 2023. After signing the agreement, both parties shook hands firmly for building a deep relationship.

After signing the agreement, both parties shook hands firmly for building a deep relationship.

Attendees for the signing ceremony : From left side : NORCECA General Director Ms. Arateide Caceres Hernandez, President Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, MIKASA President and CEO Mr. Yuji Saeki, Director and Head of Sporting Goods Mr. Hidekazu Iizuka.

After the ceremony, Mr. Yuji Saeki gave Mr. Marte a factory tour in the head office to help NORCECA President to better understand MIKASA history, products, and technologies. Mr. Marte also introduced NORCECA and this warm interaction made a wonderful first step to deepen mutual understanding and relationship

Cuban professors certified as Volleyball Level I Coaches

Posted on February 27, 2023March 12, 2023

HAVANA, Cuba, February 27, 2023.- The international volleyball workshop for coaches Level I that took place in Havana, concluded successfully this past weekend.

The National Volleyball School hosted the workshop, in which 36 Cuban professors were certified as Volleyball Level I Coaches.

Antonio Rizola, head coach of Colombia’s women team and certified FIVB instructor conducted the intense workshop with teaching and practice sessions.

As the closing ceremony, he expressed his gratitude to the Cuban Volleyball National Federation (FCV) and to the national sports system for allowing him to share his knowledge.

He also highlighted the opportunity to exchange with Cuban volleyball legends such as Gilberto Herrera, Justo Morales and several Olympic champions, members of the “Morenas del Caribe”.

Speaking about the course, he recognized several professors with advanced professional abilities and that they reached their goals.

Ariel Sainz, FCV presidente expressed his inmense gratitude for traveling to Cuba and his work, before he proposed him to repeat the experience at the end of the year.

Saiz explained that just like this course, the next will contribute to strengthen young and experienced Cuban coaches.

The theorical-practice course, had specific evaluations in these two aspects. The best student was a 21 year old member of the national coaching staff, professor

Mario Raúl Izquierdo Pérez.

NORCECA and Mikasa establish a historical long-term partnership

Posted on February 27, 2023March 13, 2023

Hiroshima, Japan, February 27, 2023- NORCECA and Mikasa Corporation have announced a historical long-term partnership for eight years 2023-2030. The agreement between the governing body for volleyball in the North, Central American and Caribbean Continental Region and one of Japan’s leading manufacturers was signed in a special ceremony held at MIKASA Headquarters in the city of Hiroshima, Japan.

“Mikasa is a long-term and loyal partner for the FIVB, and we are pleased to establish this historical partnership with MIKASA Coorporation said NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, “Mikasa has supplied equipment for the FIVB since volleyball first appeared in the Olympic program, back in 1964. We are delighted to welcome MIKASA to NORCECA’s family, meaning that MIKASA will be the official ball and volleyball equipment provider for volleyball and beach volleyball events until 2030”.

“Mikasa shares our commitment to raising the profile of volleyball, beach volleyball in America, not only at the elite standard, but at the same time ensuring the develop of our sport at the grass-roots level, with a primary focus on those countries where there is still much room for improvement. We will work hard together to ensure the growth and success for our sport,” the NORCECA President added.

President of MIKASA Corporation Mr. Yuji Saeki said: “MIKASA Corporation is extremely honored to establish this important long term partnership with the NORCECA Confederation and to have the opportunity to support the growth of volleyball and beach volleyball in the North, Central American and Caribbean Continental Region. We are also excited to be a part of the sport’s by providing our products for people of all ages and backgrounds to play volleyball and beach volleyball.”

The signing of the agreement took place at MIKASA Headquarters in the city of Hiroshima, Japan, between NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz and Mr. Yuji Saeki, President of MIKASA CORPORATION.

NORCECA and Mikasa establish a historical long-term partnership

Posted on February 27, 2023March 12, 2023

The signing of the agreement took place at MIKASA Headquarters in the city of Hiroshima, Japan, between NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz and Mr. Yuji Saeki, President of MIKASA CORPORATION.