SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 8, 2026.– The International Volleyball Federation FIVB has recently elevated the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in the Dominican Republic to the category of “Sports Excellence Center,” in recognition of more than 29 years of dedicated work in the training and development of volleyball in the region.
The information was announced by Professor Nelson Ramírez, director of the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center, in a press release.
Ramírez explained that the recognition highlights the center’s sustained efforts in training coaches, referees, and technical personnel, and marks the beginning of a new phase focused on hosting national teams to strengthen their technical and competitive level.
“We will receive indoor and beach volleyball teams in all categories, as well as individual players to work on specific technical aspects such as training liberos, middle blockers, setters, attackers and defenders, in addition to improving serving and other areas of the game,” he indicated.
The center’s director also emphasized the continued support of the NORCECA Confederation and its president, Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz.
According to Ramírez, Canada is the first country to express interest in sending an Under-21 team to train at the new Center of Excellence facilities.
He added that the program will feature high-level coaches, both local and international, who will work directly with athletes to strengthen different technical and tactical aspects of the game.
Ramírez explained that national federations interested in the program must submit their requests to the Center of Excellence. These will be evaluated and then forwarded to the FIVB for approval before organizing the teams’ visits to the Dominican Republic.
“We are pleased to have the Olympic Training Center facilities available to host the athletes and coaches. This recognition represents a great challenge and a great opportunity for the Regional Center,” he stated.
In addition to player development, the center will continue offering training programs for referees, coaches, statisticians, administrative personnel, sports journalists, and therapists. It also provides guidance to national federations in organizing their administrative structures and developing sports development programs.
Ramírez added that in the coming days the country’s main sports institutions — including the Ministry of Sports, the Dominican Olympic Committee, and INEFI — will be officially informed about this important recognition granted to the Regional Development Center and, consequently, to Dominican sport.
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