PORTO, Portugal, November 17, 2024.-The second day of the 39th FIVB World Congress was filled with historic milestones as delegates voted for the future of FIVB Leadership. Fabio Azevedo was unanimously elected by acclamation as the new President of the FIVB, the FIVB Board of Administration and two Gender in Minority members were elected, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the global volleyball community. In recognition of his monumental contributions, the outgoing President, Dr Ary S. Graça F° was granted the title of Honorary President of the FIVB.
The FIVB Board of Administration now comprises:
Continental Confederation Presidents: (Already elected by the General Assemblies of the Continental Confederations)
- NORCECA – Lic. Cristóbal MARTE HOFFIZ – DOM
- AVC – Mr Ramon SUZARA – PHI
- CAVB – Mrs Bouchra HAJIJ – MAR
- CEV – Mr Roko SIKIRIĆ – CRO
- CSV – Mr Marco Túllio TEIXEIRA – BRA
In accordance with the FIVB Constitution, each Confederation has selected two substitute members for the FIVB Board of Administration. These substitute members will only take up a position on the FIVB Board of Administration if a vacancy appears from their Confederation.
NORCECA:
- Sabinah CLEMENT – IVB
- Mark ECKERT – CAN
- Mushtaque MOHAMMED – TTO
- Félix Ambrosio SABIO GONZALEZ – HON
Substitute Members
- Glenn QUINLAN – SKN
- Allan SHARP – BIZ
AVC:
- Ali Ghanim AL-KUWARI – QAT
- HRH Princess Ayah BINT FAISAL – JOR
- Craig CARRACHER – AUS
- Hugh GRAHAM – COK
- Thiti PLUCKCHAOOM – THA
- Lei YUAN – CHN
Substitute Members
- Ibrahim Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Rahim AL-MAQBALLI – OMA
- Mohamed LATHEEF – MVD
CAVB:
- Nakaonga Agness KAKOMA – ZAM
- Sanga Issouf KONE – CIV
- Daniel MOLAODI – BOT
Substitute Members
- Magoti Hongora MTANI – TAN
- Kayseeven Vishwanaden TEEROOVENGADUM – MRI
CEV:
- Margaret Ann FLEMING – SCO
- Lubomir GANEV – BUL
- Gernot LEITNER – AUT
- Djula MESTER – SRB
- Marek PAKOSTA – CZE
- Annie PEYTAVIN – FRA
- Marek ROJKO – SVK
- Leonel SALGUEIRO – POR
Substitute Members
- Renato ARENA
- Philippe SCHÜRMANN
CSV:
- Roberto Wilfrido ESCOBAR GONZALEZ – PAR
- Juan Antonio GUTIERREZ – ARG
- Cecilia TAIT – PER
Substitute Members
- Jorge GRANJA COBOS – ECU
- Julio Cesar PEREZ ALFARO – URU
Additionally, the Congress elected two Gender in Minority members, Hila Asanuma and Mireya Luis Hernandez, reflecting the FIVB’s ongoing commitment to diversity and equitable governance.
Delegates also heard reports from the presidents of the five Continental Confederations. Ramon Suzara of the AVC, Bouchra Hajij of the CAVB, Roko Sikirić of the CEV, Marco Tullio Teixeira of the CSV and Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz of NORCECA all detailed their reflections on how volleyball has seen significant growth in their region over the last 12 years. They also expressed their thanks to President Graça for his commitment to inclusivity, that has allowed the sport to shine brightly.
Reports from FIVB Councils and Commissions showcased the International Federations’ commitment to advancing the sport. The Sports Events Council discussed plans for upcoming volleyball events, while the Medical Commission highlighted its work in supporting athletes on and off the field of play. The Technical and Coaching Commission emphasized coaching development, and the Snow and Beach Volleyball Commissions highlighted the growing popularity of their disciplines. The Communication Commission reflected on its work in promoting volleyball to an even broader audience globally, and the Athletes’ Commission discussed the importance of the Commissions’ creation during President Graça’s mandate, which has allowed for an increased voice for athletes. Comprehensive reports of previous events were shared, including the magnificent Olympic Games Paris 2024!
The Congress also celebrated success in volleyball with a series of awards, recognising significant contributions to the sport.
To close out the day, the outgoing FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° delivered an emotional closing address, reflecting on his 12-year tenure and expressing pride in the sport’s achievements under his leadership. Dr Graça shared his heartfelt thanks to his family, the FIVB staff, and the global volleyball community for their unwavering support and trust. Addressing the new FIVB President, Fabio Azevedo, Dr Graça said:
“I am so proud of everything you have achieved so far. Today’s election is a result of your hard work, professionalism and great vision for our sport! It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with you for over 34 years.”
He added: “I am sure that you will continue to serve all our National Federations and lead volleyball to even greater heights.”
He emphasized the unity of the Volleyball Family, stating:
“You have not only celebrated volleyball’s past and present. You have defined its future. And that future is going to be bright!”
During his closing note, he stated: “My heart and my life belong to volleyball, and that will never change. Wherever the future leads, I will always be here, ready to serve.
“Long live the FIVB! Long live volleyball!”
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