LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 13, 2025. – Within the framework of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Board of Administration meeting, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz held a friendly meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach at the Olympic House in Lausanne.
The conversation took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reinforcing institutional ties and highlighting a shared commitment to the development of sport globally, particularly in Latin America.
Thomas Bach expressed his admiration for the Dominican Republic women’s volleyball national team program, which he has followed closely after visiting the team on two occasions: during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and later in Santo Domingo. On both occasions, the IOC President had the opportunity to witness firsthand the structure, vision, and achievements of a program that is now considered a model in the region.
“The Dominican project is a benchmark for sport throughout Latin America. It is a model to follow that shows how a clear vision and sustained investment can generate results with global impact,” Bach stated.
Marte Hoffiz took the opportunity to share the program’s key pillars, achievements, and future projections. The Dominican initiative has become a strategic national investment, yielding success in international competitions while also serving as a solid platform for talent scouting, athlete development, and the professionalization of women’s volleyball.
“This is not just a sports project, it’s a nation-building project that invests in the future of our youth and has positioned the Dominican Republic as a global volleyball power,” said Marte Hoffiz.
Thomas Bach praised the program’s long-term vision and reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to strengthening sports in Latin America. He acknowledged that initiatives such as the Dominican women’s volleyball program inspire other nations to embrace structured development in their respective disciplines.
This meeting represents international recognition of the Dominican Republic’s women’s volleyball model, an example of how a well-executed national strategy can transcend borders and make a mark on the global sports stage.
The Dominican Republic women’s national volleyball team is currently ranked 11th in the world, consolidating its status as an emerging force in international volleyball.
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