FIVB's success is thanks to everyone - President Graça
Cagliari, Italy, November 1, 2014 - The 34th FIVB World Congress came to a close in Cagliari on Saturday following two productive days of presentations, debate and discussions to review its progress under President Dr. Ary S. Graça F°’s new vision for the Federation.
A record 210 of the FIVB’s 220 National Federations, including 13 proxies, were represented at the two-day Congress. Delegates attended a Congress Workshop on Thursday before receiving presentations from all FIVB commissions. Presentations from the FIVB’s five Confederations – AVC, CSV, NORCECA, CAVB and CEV, were also given to update delegates on continental developments and future plans.
President Graça talked on day one of the Congress about his continued vision for the FIVB and the volleyball family, focusing on good governance, opportunities and innovation. The President updated delegates on the revolutionary LED net and how the FIVB will continue to innovate to break through into new markets and ensure that volleyball is truly a sport for all.
Closing the Congress, President Graça said:
"This was the best Congress ever. I have never seen such participation from the participants. This has stimulated the debate.
"We have profited a lot from this because we must know what people think. When you ask, it’s important for us to listen because we are learning. One thing is clear, you can ask anything.
"We are trying to do our best.
"One update for you all is that March next year there will be Beach Volleyball training centre in Spain for coaches and players on behalf of the FIVB. You have to take advantage of this.
"This was my first Congress as FIVB President. It has been two years working very hard but to work is not a problem. The problem is to change the mentality of people. They don’t want to change but we continue to try and change mentality to raise the profile of volleyball around the world.
"I want to stimulate you but make sure you aware that the work you are doing now won’t bring success tomorrow, it will take time but we must start to work immediately to have results in the future.
"I have been very happy with the reports from the Confederations. We are trying to reach all parts of the world through the Confederations and we are succeeding. We are distributing finance through the Confederations because we have to invest in our business. Our business is volleyball, not the bank.
"For the first time we have a long term plan. You can see most of the Confederations talking about the future. We can’t look back, we have to look forward. We only look back to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistake but we must look to the future.
"Do you know why we have success? It’s because of you. You are working hard, you are stimulated. After this Congress, you have seen everyone working at every level. Everyone is trying to push the FIVB and volleyball to the right place that it deserves
"I am very proud of you all."
Earlier the Congress provided a standing round of applause in support of Ghoncheh Ghavami, the detained female volleyball fan in Iran, after President Graça reminded the members about the action taken by him – having written a letter directly to the Iran President asking for her release – and of the FIVB’s commitment to inclusivity and the right of women to participate in sport on an equal basis, in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
"I am sure that you will join me today in continuing to state the FIVB’s strongest wish that Ghoncheh Ghavami should be released immediately and that women throughout the world should be allowed to watch and participate in volleyball on an equal basis."
With that the FIVB Congress and the world of volleyball stood as one.