LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 15, 2026.- Without the media, the remarkable stories of volleyball and beach volleyball would remain untold. The skill and power, the triumphs and frustrations, and the drive and determination of the athletes. The ambition to grow the sport to reach, inspire and unite more people around the world, celebrate legends of the game and today’s stars, and provide opportunities for everyone to play through innovative Volleyball Experiences. The media gives these moments a voice.
That is why the FIVB was honoured to welcome International Sports Press Association (AIPS) media members to the Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland. The occasion came as over 200 journalists from 113 countries gathered in Lausanne for the 88th AIPS Congress, taking place from 9 to 13 April 2026.
The visits were held throughout the day with four groups of media welcomed. FIVB President Fabio Azevedo presented the phases, evolution and transformation of the sport globally since 2012, alongside its bold ambitions for the future. Meanwhile, a lively Q&A session gave media the opportunity to engage directly on a range of topics.
“At the FIVB, we want to help make the world better through volleyball,” said President Azevedo. “To do that, we must make our sport more accessible, more understandable and more affordable. Every single person connected to volleyball matters, and together we are building a true Global Volleyball Movement.”
At the heart of this journey is the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, built around 15 focal points that guide every step forward.
Research shows that around 800 million people worldwide are currently connected to the sport. By 2032, the goal is to reach 1.6 billion. It is a bold target, but one rooted in a simple belief: volleyball can help make the world a better place.
And at the heart of that belief is a simple but powerful principle: keeping a ball in the air – keeping a ball flying – should be considered volleyball.
That spirit came to life during the visit as media members were introduced to Ollyball, resulting in balls flying around the room and smiles on faces. Air volleyball, with its lighter, softer and slightly larger ball, also offered a fresh example of how the sport can become more accessible to welcome more people, in more places, in more ways.
And that was perhaps the clearest message of the day. Volleyball is not only growing. It is opening up. Reaching out. Inviting more people in.
AIPS President Gianni Merlo also thanked the FIVB for its hospitality and openness in welcoming AIPS members and presented the Global Volleyball Movement with an AIPS Sport Media Award.
For the media gathered at Volleyball House, it was a close-up look at a sport embracing innovation and building a future shaped by mass participation, accessibility and connection.
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