HAVANA, Cuba, February 21, 2024 – The 2024 International Level I Volleyball Coaches Course was opened in Havana with the participation of 29 coaches from seven countries. This is the second time the course has been hosted at the National School of Volleyball.
Roberto León Richard, president of the Cuban Olympic Committee (COC), welcomed all participants and highlighted the presence of 13 coaches from six nations, as well as the respected instructor Antonio Rizola from Brazil, and Nelson Ramírez, director of the FIVB-NORCECA Regional Development Center in Santo Domingo, who will serve as supervisor.
“Our Olympic Committee feels very proud and satisfied to have this level of participation in a seminar of great importance for international and Cuban volleyball” he said.
He emphasized the significance for Cuban sports, noting that based on the experienced president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, Ariel Sainz, similar courses could be developed in other well-known and high-level sports such as boxing and judo, especially in combat disciplines, where the island has a rich history of success.
Professor Ramírez communicated a message on behalf of Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, president of NORCECA, who is also executive Vice President of the FIVB, wishing them success in achieving the course objectives.
“Our development center was founded in 1997, and its initial support came from instructors from Cuba, which undoubtedly strengthened us”, he acknowledged.
He recalled the contributions of Argelio Hernández, Jorge Pérez Vento, and Justo Morales, praising Morales’ reference book and his willingness to collaborate. Ramírez also highlighted Morales’ work over the years in a development program across English-speaking islands, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean.
“Our Regional Development Center was established by the FIVB, and out of the 12 worldwide, only those in Thailand, Argentina, and Santo Domingo remain operational, with Santo Domingo being recognized as the most active”, he said.
Ramírez appreciated these courses in Cuba, with the previous one held last year, and emphasized the importance of continuing such development programs to expand volleyball knowledge in Cuba at the Level I range, enabling promotion within national technical teams in the future.
“But you must work alongside your national federation, strengthening your country’s efforts, always in collaboration with them because that support is crucial and desired”, he urged all participants from Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Cuba.
Professor Rizola expressed his joy in learning that three of his students from the previous year, including the top performer Mario Izquierdo, are now part of the coaching staff at the National School of Volleyball.
“I want to thank the authorities for being in Cuba, which has always been my reference point. I can’t recall an international Level I course with the presence of a president of the Olympic Committee of that country. Thank you for this new opportunity; it’s an honor to share my experiences with you because I learn much more from you”, he declared.
The opening ceremony concluded with an emotional moment as four giant posters were unveiled in the lobby of the National School of Volleyball, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to Cuban volleyball: Eugenio George, architect of the Morenas del Caribe; and Olympic champions Regla Torres, Mireya Luis, and Yumilka Ruiz, all inducted into the Hall of Fame in the U.S. City of Hoyoke, Massachusetts.
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