While athletes served and spiked their way through the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, a different kind of strategic game was unfolding off the courts. A high-level delegation from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), led by President Fabio Azevedo, wasn`t just in town to witness the competition; they were there for some serious talks about boosting volleyball and beach volleyball across the Pacific region.
The visit included significant meetings with the Palau Volleyball Federation (PVF), headed by President Hila Asanuma. The conversation wasn`t just pleasantries; it focused squarely on the impact and future potential of the FIVB`s Volleyball Empowerment programme. Palau has already benefited from this initiative, receiving crucial support like a dedicated volleyball floor and modern net systems – proving that sometimes, even fundamental equipment can be a game-changer. Looking ahead, discussions explored the exciting possibility of designating Palau`s current beach volleyball venue as a future FIVB Centre of Excellence. This signals a clear ambition from Palau: they don`t just want to play the game; they want to help lead its development in the region, even expressing interest in hosting an FIVB Board meeting.
The FIVB team also convened with leaders from the Oceania Volleyball Zonal Association (OVZA) and other National Federations from across the zone. This larger gathering provided a platform to present the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 – essentially, the global roadmap for where the sport is heading. The delegation detailed various components of the Volleyball Empowerment program, highlighting opportunities like Olympic Solidarity funding, explaining the model for Centres of Excellence, and outlining the pathway for athletes through the Youth Olympic Games qualification system. It was a comprehensive overview designed to integrate regional efforts with the global strategy.
For their part, the OVZA presented its own Strategic Foundation, identifying key priorities specific to the island nations and territories. These included strengthening governance, integrating with global programs, developing athletes and technical staff (coaches, referees), creating more competition opportunities, and investing in education and partnerships. The alignment was clear: both the global body and the regional representatives share a strong commitment to a unified, impactful future for volleyball in Oceania.
FIVB President Azevedo also took the time to engage with the media covering the Mini Games, sharing positive impressions of the venue preparations and the local enthusiasm for the sport. He reiterated the FIVB`s long-term commitment to supporting growth in Palau and the wider Pacific, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and building local expertise. In essence, the visit underlined that while tournaments showcase current talent, consistent, strategic dialogue is vital for cultivating the talent of tomorrow and ensuring the sport`s footprint continues to expand across islands and continents alike.
Rupert Caldwell