SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 31, 2026. – The North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) held the first session of its 28th Congress virtually on Saturday, October 31, addressing institutional reports, financial matters, constitutional amendments, and future competition programs ahead of the second session, scheduled to take place in person on November 19 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz welcomed the delegates and representatives of the National Federations, explaining that the 2026 Congress is a single institutional event divided into two sessions, with the first conducted virtually and the second bringing participants together in Punta Cana.
Marte emphasized the importance of the virtual session in advancing the Congress agenda, noting that all documentation and reports had been made available to the National Federations through the dedicated NORCECA Congress 2026 webpage.
He also encouraged delegates to participate actively, raise questions, and provide observations throughout the discussions, explaining that decisions approved during the virtual session would be submitted for ratification at the in-person meeting on November 19.
Following the welcoming remarks, the Congress approved the agenda covering both sessions and proceeded with the review and approval of the minutes of previous Congresses and meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Administration for the 2024-2026 period. As no observations or comments had been received regarding these documents, their reading was waived.
The Congress reviewed and approved reports and minutes submitted by NORCECA’s Working Commissions, covering Beach Volleyball, Medical, Technical and Coaches, VIS and Statistics, Development, Finance, Press and Mass Media, Sport Organizing, Refereeing, and Legal matters.
During the financial discussions, delegates received an overview of NORCECA’s revenue structure and projections for the coming year.
It was explained that revenues increased considerably in 2026 due to income generated from the rights associated with the continental Olympic qualification tournaments in the men’s and women’s divisions.
However, with fewer events scheduled for 2027, the Confederation anticipates lower revenues compared to 2026. The financial presentation outlined the factors considered in preparing NORCECA’s income projections and establishing its financial outlook for the upcoming year.
One of the significant matters addressed during the session was the updated NORCECA Constitution, presented through the Legal Commission.
The constitutional amendments received approval during the virtual session and will be submitted for formal ratification by representatives of the National Federations at the second part of the Congress on November 19 in Punta Cana.
Regarding the Athletes Commission, the Congress agreed to request an updated report from its president, Mireya Luis, with follow-up actions expected to provide information on the Commission’s progress before the in-person session.
The Congress also reviewed the NORCECA President’s 2026 Annual Activities Report, which will be updated to include three beach volleyball events taking place during the final months of the year: the eighth stop of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour in Punta Cana, the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament in Puerto Rico, and the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Finals in Juan Dolio.
These events will be incorporated into the final version of the 2026 activities report to provide a complete overview of the Confederation’s work throughout the year.
Additionally, the Congress received the 2025-2026 activities report of the NORCECA Volleyball Regional Development Center of Excellence in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Center’s development program for 2027 is currently being prepared.
During the discussion of other matters, Mexican Volleyball Federation President Jesús Perales Navarro emphasized the importance of promoting NORCECA teams’ participation in the FIVB Club World Championships, noting that the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico have professional women’s leagues, while the latter two also have men’s leagues.
NORCECA agreed to consult with the FIVB on the possibility of establishing a continental qualification tournament or securing special invitations for clubs from the region, with the aim of presenting a response during the second session of the Congress on November 19.
Another item addressed was the potential host country for the 29th NORCECA Congress in 2028, which will include elections for the Confederation’s leadership.
The Dominican Republic, where NORCECA maintains its headquarters, was proposed as the host country, with Punta Cana mentioned as a possible venue.
Mexico also expressed its willingness to host the Congress should circumstances of force majeure prevent the event from taking place in the Dominican Republic.
Before the conclusion of the session, Marte proposed presenting special recognitions, including an award honoring NORCECA’s longest-serving member and a tribute to FIVB President Fabio Azevedo.
The proposed recognition of Azevedo would acknowledge his leadership, the FIVB’s financial growth, progress achieved through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, and his continued support for NORCECA and the development of volleyball throughout the region.
Wilbur Harrigan, member of the NORCECA Board of Administration and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association, delivered closing remarks, expressing appreciation for Marte’s leadership and his contributions to the development of volleyball in the region.
Harrigan highlighted the transformation of NORCECA under Marte’s presidency, recognizing his ability to bring together a dedicated group of individuals committed to advancing the sport.
Marte officially closed the virtual session by thanking the delegates for their participation and contributions, reiterating his expectation of welcoming everyone in person for the second part of the 28th NORCECA Congress on November 19 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The upcoming session will provide an opportunity to ratify the decisions reached virtually, address pending matters, and continue discussions on the Confederation’s institutional priorities and future development.