Lausanne, Switzerland, May 12, 2015 – The FIVB today renewed their partnership with Japanese company Mikasa to provide the official balls for all FIVB volleyball and beach volleyball events until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Mikasa has supplied equipment for the FIVB since volleyball was first included on the Olympic Programme at Tokyo’s first Olympic Games in 1964 – making this contract signing a celebratory occasion at the FIVB headquarters in Lausanne after first being signed in 1985.
FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° and President of Mikasa Corporation Mr. Yuji Saeki met together ahead of the occasion to reflect on their long-term relationship and spent time anticipating the FIVB’s exciting plans for a major 2015 season in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.
FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° said:
"I am delighted to be renewing our partnership with Mikasa today. President Yuji Saeki and his company have been loyal partners for the FIVB since volleyball’s debut as an Olympic sport at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo so it is wonderful that our organisations are teaming up again for Tokyo’s next Games in 2020.
"Mikasa has always shared the FIVB’s commitment to providing the finest possible service for our athletes around the world. In sport it is so important to know that you are working with the very best in the industry and Mikasa are the leaders in ball technology which helps us ensure a more and more spectacular game every season. I look forward to continuing our great relationship with Mr Saeki and his team for many years to come."
President of Mikasa Corporation Mr. Yuji Saeki said:
"Mikasa Corporation is exceedingly honoured to have renewed its contract with the FIVB and wishes to continue to provide people of all ages and nations a world-class product. We pride ourselves on providing players with a product which can help them develop their volleyball skills and further promote this fantastic sport all over the world."
For more information visit:
http://www.fivb.org/
Contact: FIVB Press Department
Office: +41 21 345 35 35 Email: press@fivb.org
About the FIVB
As the global guiding organisation for volleyball, the FIVB upholds the highest standards to ensure the legacy and excellence of the sport is experienced and enjoyed around the world. The FIVB is the global governing body responsible for all forms of volleyball, with currently 220 affiliated national federations and five continental confederations. The FIVB’s key role is to provide leadership to over 500 million players and 33 million licensed athletes.