November 3, 2023.- The FIVB organized the fourth Zonal Association Presidents’ seminar on October 26, providing the Zonal Associations with an opportunity to share their latest achievements and updates.
Following presentations by a number of Zonal Association Presidents during the previous seminar, the remaining leaders have now shared details on their ongoing activities, achievements and future plans, which included Zonal members of our NORCECA Confederation
· Association of Central American Federations of Volleyball (AFECAVOL) President Felix Sabio Gonzalez
· North and Central Volleyball Zonal Association (NCVA) President Mark Eckert
· Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) President Mushtaque Mohammed.
Additionally, the FIVB President updated the Zonal Associations on the FIVB’s achievements since the last meeting. These achievements include the highly successful Olympic Qualification Tournaments, which saw six teams per gender secured tickets to next year’s Olympic Games Paris 2024, the latest results of the Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes, and the recent election of FIVB Board of Administration member Cecilia Tait as an IOC member.
The discussions also focused on the successful conclusion of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships earlier this month.
Highlighting the tournament, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° said:
“Just earlier this month, we concluded a 10-day celebration of beach volleyball – the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. For the first time in the event’s history, it was hosted in Mexico. Mexico did a remarkable job hosting these World Championships. From the very start of the event, they showcased warm hospitality as well as commitment to delivering one of the best events ever. From the Opening Ceremony and throughout the 10 days of exciting matches across three cities in the Tlaxcala region, Mexico once again proved its strong hosting credentials with full venues, passionate fans and an incredible atmosphere.”
FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo, also highlighted some of the FIVB’s notable achievements through the Volleyball Empowerment and Development programmes:
“We are very proud of the results our programmes achieve all around the world. Just to share some examples with you, the Canada women’s national volleyball team has moved up to 11th place in the Senior World Rankings while fighting for a place at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Meanwhile, the France women’s national team has qualified for the VNL 2024, while their men’s beach volleyball teams have greatly improved and are hoping to potentially qualify two teams to Paris 2024. Mexico’s beach volleyball teams won gold in the men’s and bronze in the women’s events at the Central American and Caribbean Games 2023.
“The Belgium men’s national team took the OQT by surprise with their impressive performance, coming very close to qualifying for the Games and beating strong national teams. Gambia men’s beach volleyball team qualified for the World Championships 2021 and 2023 and is now fighting to be in Paris next year. In addition, the beach volleyball national teams of Thailand have greatly improved their performance and saw good results at the Asian Games. The Dominican Republic women’s team qualified for Paris 2024, topping their pool at the competition. And of course, our pilot project, the Kenya women’s national team were this year crowned African Nations Champions for the first time since 2015.”
The Presidents of the Continental Confederations and members of the FIVB Development and Volleyball Empowerment Commissions were also invited to join the seminar.
The next Zonal Association Presidents’ Seminar will be scheduled for the beginning of next year.
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