In a concerted effort to nurture and expand the sport of volleyball across the Oceania region, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) recently conducted a series of significant activities in Palau. These engagements underscored the organization`s commitment to providing targeted support and strategic direction to National Federations in the Pacific.
A key component of the program was a detailed workshop designed specifically for the leadership of National Federations, including Presidents, Secretaries General, and Technical Directors. Led by prominent FIVB officials – FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, alongside Oceania Zonal Association President and FIVB Board of Administration Executive Vice-President Hugh Graham, and Head of Volleyball Empowerment and NF Relations Hitesh Malhotra – the session fostered an environment of open dialogue. Participants were encouraged to raise questions and discuss challenges related to critical areas such as the FIVB`s Volleyball Empowerment programme, securing support through Olympic Solidarity initiatives, effectively utilizing the Volleyball Information System (VIS), and strategies for developing athlete pathways at the regional level.
This interactive forum aimed to demystify processes and ensure federations are equipped with the knowledge and resources available to them, transforming theoretical concepts into practical actions for local growth. It was a moment of direct engagement, cutting through potential administrative fog to address the specific needs identified by those on the ground.
Beyond assisting existing members, the visit also included a forward-looking meeting with representatives from French-speaking nations in the region that are not yet official FIVB members but possess active volleyball communities. This discussion explored avenues for collaboration and integration, highlighting the FIVB`s aspiration to broaden the reach of the Global Volleyball Movement and welcome new nations into the international structure.
Demonstrating a tangible investment in infrastructure, a significant highlight was the official recognition of Palau`s Koror Beach Volleyball Venue as a designated Centre of Excellence. This status was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing together Koror State, the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association (OZVA), the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), and the Palau Volleyball Federation (PVF). This initiative represents a concrete step towards providing dedicated facilities for athlete training and development within the region, creating a hub for future talent.
Connecting directly with the competitive spirit of the region, the FIVB delegation also attended the gold medal matches for both the women`s and men`s volleyball tournaments at the Pacific Mini Games. FIVB President Fabio Azevedo had the honour of presenting medals to the victorious finalists, a gesture that underscored the link between grassroots development efforts and the ultimate goal of competitive success.
Collectively, these activities in Palau illustrate a focused approach by the FIVB to support, engage, and build the capacity of National Federations in the Pacific. It`s a pragmatic blend of administrative guidance, strategic outreach, infrastructure investment, and visible support for regional competition, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth for volleyball in this vital part of the world.
Rupert Caldwell