Tag: Development Center

HAVANA, Cuba, February 25, 2024. – The International Level I Volleyball Coaches Course was assessed successful, with Cuban Iván Ruiz Bacallao emerging as the top performer.

After five days of intense sessions of theoretical and practical classes and tests, the 29 candidates happily passed their exams, with 13 of them coming from Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Sri Lanka.

Nelson Ramírez, director of the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo, stated, “It has been a great experience and satisfaction due to the level of organization of the Cuban Federation presided over by Ariel Sainz”.

“Everything went as planned, with perfect coordination, excellent personnel from the Cuban Federation, active participation from the students, all of whom passed due to the quality of their work, and the assistance of the national and youth teams, who acted as demonstrators during classes”.

“We are very pleased, and NORCECA, led by president Cristóbal Marte, is always ready to support the Cuban Federation in these training initiatives, and there is the possibility of Cuba hosting a Level III course”, he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rizola, an FIVB Instructor who for the second year has been conducting an International Level I Course in this city, expressed his joy and excitement at returning to a country that means a lot to the world of volleyball.

“I am privileged. I am sure that these students from this course, who, like last year’s, have shown themselves to be very willing, polite, and technically skilled, will represent volleyball well in the world. I thank Ariel Sainz and Nelson Ramírez for their confidence in sending me back to Cuba”.

Young Iván Ruiz, on the other hand, thanked the Cuban Federation and INDER for the opportunity to improve and grow as a coach to pass on knowledge to his students.

“I also appreciate the dedication of the instructors and support staff for the success of the course, and it is a gift to my students from the Cerro Pelado Sports Initiation School in the province of Camagüey, who represent the purpose of my life in this wonderful sport” he stated.

Ariel Sainz, head of the FCV, expressed his joy at the satisfaction of the students, Rizola, and Ramírez for the course results, attention to detail, organization, and content.

“This further commits us, and we are already thinking about growing in terms of participants and instructors in the future. Last year, 35 Cubans graduated, and now 16, which creates a pool of professionals who will continue to serve the Federation to maintain a successful path for volleyball in our country” he said.

During the closing ceremony, Cuban instructors Justo Morales and Argelio Hernández were recognized for their support in the class program content.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, February 23, 2024.- Dr. Victor Figueroa, President of the NORCECA Medical Commission, conducted a workshop about the dangers of doping and the use of prohibited substances for members of the Dominican women’s team at the FIVB-NORCECA Regional Development Center in Santo Domingo.

As the world of sports continues to evolve and push the boundaries of human achievement, an educational program is necessary for athletes’ welfare as part of their preparation for high-level competitions.

Dr. Figueroa addressed the dangers of doping to reaffirm NORCECA’s commitment to clean and ethical sportsmanship in accordance with the World Anti Doping Agency -WADA- and the FIVB.

Participants learned about banned substances, methods to enhance athletic performance,  dietary or nutritional supplements, all which  pose significant health risks to athletes. From performance-enhancing drugs to blood doping and beyond.

The health risks associated with doping may destroy an athletic career, jeopardizing their physical well-being. The use of banned substances can lead to a range of adverse effects, including but not limited to cardiovascular issues, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and psychological disturbances. Moreover, the quest for athletic excellence at any cost can exact a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and addiction.

When athletes resort to unfair means to gain an advantage, they betray the principles of fair play and integrity that lie at the heart of athletic competition.

Athletes, coaches, administrators, and governing bodies must work together to raise a culture of clean sport and ensure a level playing field for all competitors.

Dr. Figueroa emphasized on the need for education and support initiatives to empower athletes with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and resist the temptation of doping.

HAVANA, Cuba, February 21, 2024 – The 2024 International Level I Volleyball Coaches Course was opened in Havana with the participation of 29 coaches from seven countries. This is the second time the course has been hosted at the National School of Volleyball.

Roberto León Richard, president of the Cuban Olympic Committee (COC), welcomed all participants and highlighted the presence of 13 coaches from six nations, as well as the respected instructor Antonio Rizola from Brazil, and Nelson Ramírez, director of the FIVB-NORCECA Regional Development Center in Santo Domingo, who will serve as supervisor.

“Our Olympic Committee feels very proud and satisfied to have this level of participation in a seminar of great importance for international and Cuban volleyball” he said.

He emphasized the significance for Cuban sports, noting that based on the experienced president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, Ariel Sainz, similar courses could be developed in other well-known and high-level sports such as boxing and judo, especially in combat disciplines, where the island has a rich history of success.

Professor Ramírez communicated a message on behalf of Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, president of NORCECA, who is also executive Vice President of the FIVB, wishing them success in achieving the course objectives.

“Our development center was founded in 1997, and its initial support came from instructors from Cuba, which undoubtedly strengthened us”, he acknowledged.

He recalled the contributions of Argelio Hernández, Jorge Pérez Vento, and Justo Morales, praising Morales’  reference book and his willingness to collaborate. Ramírez also highlighted Morales’ work over the years in a development program across English-speaking islands, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean.

“Our Regional Development Center was established by the FIVB, and out of the 12 worldwide, only those in Thailand, Argentina, and Santo Domingo remain operational, with Santo Domingo being recognized as the most active”, he said.

Ramírez appreciated these courses in Cuba, with the previous one held last year, and emphasized the importance of continuing such development programs to expand volleyball knowledge in Cuba at the Level I range, enabling promotion within national technical teams in the future.

“But you must work alongside your national federation, strengthening your country’s efforts, always in collaboration with them because that support is crucial and desired”, he urged all participants from Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Cuba.

Professor Rizola expressed his joy in learning that three of his students from the previous year, including the top performer Mario Izquierdo, are now part of the coaching staff at the National School of Volleyball.

“I want to thank the authorities for being in Cuba, which has always been my reference point. I can’t recall an international Level I course with the presence of a president of the Olympic Committee of that country. Thank you for this new opportunity; it’s an honor to share my experiences with you because I learn much more from you”, he declared.

The opening ceremony concluded with an emotional moment as four giant posters were unveiled in the lobby of the National School of Volleyball, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to Cuban volleyball: Eugenio George, architect of the Morenas del Caribe; and Olympic champions Regla Torres, Mireya Luis, and Yumilka Ruiz, all inducted into the Hall of Fame in the U.S. City of Hoyoke, Massachusetts.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 28, 2023.- An International Course for Level 1 Coaches organized by the NORCECA/FIVB Volleyball Regional Development Center in Santo Domingo, sponsored by the National Physichal Educatioin Institute (INFEI), the NORCECA Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation, which will conclude on Friday October 1. 

31 coaches are taking part of the course, from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curazao, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, conducted by Instructor Juan Cartagena of Puerto Rico.

Attending the opening ceremony were Garibaldi Bautista president of the Dominican National Olympic Committee, Ángel Rivas president of the National Distrit Volleyball Association, international instructor Juan Manuel Cartagena and professor Nelson José Ramírez director of the Regional Development Center.

The president of the Dominican National Olympic Committee Garibaldi Bautista motivated the participants to put in practice all the knowledge they will acquire in benefit of volleyball in their respective countries, recognizing the Development Center´s great work and that is why FEDOVOLI is one of the Federations that has developed the most, obtaining great international results.

International instructor Juan Cartagena of Puerto Rico explained that the FIVB has recognized the quality of the Center, which is an example for volleyball around the world, and personally as well, preparing a great number of Coaches from members of the NORCECA Confederation.

Ángel Rivas representing FEDOVOLI congratulated all the participants for their efforts in taking this important course and hopes that all of them finish with the best grades.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 24, 2023.- With the participation of 35 coaches from the National District Volleyball Association of the Dominican Republic, the Norceca/FIVB Regional Center for Volleyball Development held a course for Level 1 Regional Volleyball Coaches.

The five-day course was conducted by Venezuelan instructors Alexander Gutiérrez Sánchez and Rómulo Hernández.

In the closing ceremony, Mr. Ángel Rivas, President of ASOVODINA, who is at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador, via zoom, expressed “our organization will spare no effort to continue preparing coaches in charge of clubs and schools all over the country”.

Ángel Rivas thanked the Juancito Sport Foundation for their support in organizing this important course, as well as FEDOVOLI and the NORCECA Confederation.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 15, 2023.- The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center conducted a Level I course for Physical Education professors with the joint effort from the Volleyball Association of Santiago, Dominican Republic.

The three-day course, from March 10-12, had a total of 51 Physical Education professors from different schools and public education centers.

Wilson Sánchez and Francisco Lerebours were the instructors, who completed 30 hours divided in theory and practice sessions.

During the closing ceremony José Aybar, president of the Volleyball Association of Santiago, thanked the Development Center in supporting the fulfillment of this course and motivated all the participants to pass on to their students the knowledge they acquired, with the goal of promoting the practice of volleyball in their education centers.

Professor Nelson José Ramírez director of the Development Center congratulated the participants for showing great interest during the course and expressed that the NORCECA Confederation presided by Cristóbal Marte wishes to continue supporting National Federations in carrying out training courses for Physical Education professors.

HAVANA, Cuba, February 27, 2023.- The international volleyball workshop for coaches Level I that took place in Havana, concluded successfully this past weekend.

The National Volleyball School hosted the workshop, in which 36 Cuban professors were certified as Volleyball Level I Coaches.

Antonio Rizola, head coach of Colombia’s women team and certified FIVB instructor conducted the intense workshop with teaching and practice sessions.

As the closing ceremony, he expressed his gratitude to the Cuban Volleyball National Federation (FCV) and to the national sports system for allowing him to share his knowledge.

He also highlighted the opportunity to exchange with Cuban volleyball legends such as Gilberto Herrera, Justo Morales and several Olympic champions, members of the “Morenas del Caribe”.

Speaking about the course, he recognized several professors with advanced professional abilities and that they reached their goals.

Ariel Sainz, FCV presidente expressed his inmense gratitude for traveling to Cuba and his work, before he proposed him to repeat the experience at the end of the year.

Saiz explained that just like this course, the next will contribute to strengthen young and experienced Cuban coaches.

The theorical-practice course, had specific evaluations in these two aspects. The best student was a 21 year old  member of the national coaching staff, professor

Mario Raúl Izquierdo Pérez.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, December 12, 2022.- the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Dominican Republic in a joint effort with the National District Volleyball Association held this past saturday a workshop for coaches from their affiliate clubs.

The workshop was held at the volleyball national training center at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, conducted by Dr. Jaime Caonabo Terrero vice rector of the caribbean university and director of the school of law, by dr. Jeovanny Montero, medical-sociologist of the women’s volleyball national team and coaches Wilson Sanchez and Romulo Quiroz.

Dr. Jaime Caonabo Terrero presentation was focused on the children’s law and how coaches and club authorities must treat them as well as that of youth and junior players, in order to avoid breaking the law.

Dr. Jeobanny Montero spoke about the relationship between coaches and athletes, goals during training, characteristics and qualities of successful coaches, as well as the athletes origins.

While coaches Wilson Sanchez and Romulo Quiroz were in charge of the practice clinics, teaching about the latest coaching techniques for children and young players.

Angel Rivas, president of the national district volleyball association was in charge of the closing words to the 50 participating coaches in the workshop, motivating them to put into practice what they learned and informed them that starting in january they will receive their id as coaches, which will be a requirement to participate in the association’s tournaments.

SANTO DOMINGO, República Dominicana, September 11, 2022.- The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center held the closing ceremony of the Level III Coaches Course that started on September 5^th in Santo Domingo.

A total of 37 participants, from 14 countries won the Level III Coaches Course under the supervision the Director of the course the Spaniard Luis Muchaga and Cuban Instructor Francisco Cruz Jimenez, both appointed by the International Volleyball Federation FIVB.

The ceremony was presided by Cristobal Marte Hoffiz FIVB Vice President and President of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation, alongside Amos Anglea Technical Vice President of the Dominican Volleyball Federation.

“I congratulate all the participants and exhort them to work in the development of volleyball in their countries, following your National Federation’s guidelines and that you can pass on all your knowledge to clubs and schools” said Cristobal Marte Hoffiz.

Marte Hoffiz stated that the NORCECA Confederation will continue to support the activities and courses proposed by the Development Center.

Also, Amos Anglade wished a great success to all the participants, hoping to see them back in Dominican Republic competing in charge of their national teams.

Prof. Nelson Jose Ramirez, Director of the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center said to be satisfied to carry out the course “this is the only Development Center that the FIVB has authorized to carry out courses on site, for which I thank the instructors for their great job”.

Prof. Ramirez made the announcement that the Development Center will have available in November courses of Level I Coaches and a Data Volley, Statistics and Analyzing the opponent.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 3, 2022 – Forty coaches from Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras; Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic have registered for the Level III Course to be held in Santo Domingo during the Final Six Women’s Cup.

This is the first authorized by FIVB and NORCECA with the presence of participants and instructors.

The director of the course is the Spaniard Luis Muchaga with the assistance of Cuban

Francisco Cruz Jimenez, who have been working for 10 days with morning and afternoon duties in the facilities of the National Center of Volleyball Development.

All the participants will have the opportunity to use as practice camp all the matches of the Final Six Women’s Cup, which runs from September 5 to 11 at the National Palace of Volleyball Ricardo Arias.

This kind of high level course is only authorized to the Center in Dominican Republic by FIVB and NORCECA for his high degree in organization that puts it as the most functional of the Development Centers around the world.