Volleyball Empowerment takes centre stage as Volleyball Family gathers for 38th FIVB World Congress

The 38th FIVB World Congress officially got underway yesterday with delegates gathering in Arnhem, the Netherlands to further the incredible development of volleyball and beach volleyball, share best practices and listen to key presentations on how Volleyball Empowerment can help all 222 of the FIVB’s National Federations (NFs).

Highlights of Day 1 of the FIVB World Congress 2022

FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo presented Volleyball Empowerment, a revolutionary programme of support, and encouraged delegates to utilise the incredible support on offer.

“The main purpose of Volleyball Empowerment is moving our National Federations and your national teams to the level they deserve. We will have more teams participating, more victorious and more trophies,” said Fabio Azevedo.

“New and strong national teams can inspire a new generation of fans and athletes. And as a united Volleyball Family, we want our sport to be strong and we want our sport to make the world better by inspiring more and more people to take up the sport and lead healthy lifestyles.”

FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo on the revolutionary programme of Volleyball Empowerment

In addition, Fabio Azevedo called the Kenya women’s national team, aka the Malkia Strikers, to the stage to demonstrate the tremendous impact of the Volleyball Empowerment pilot project on the team. Both Kenya Volleyball Federation President Waithaka Kioni and Malkia Striker’s captain, Mercy Moim, addressed the Congress to explain their development journey. They also expressed their gratitude to the FIVB for its support of the national team, and promised not to keep striving to become an even stronger team.

The FIVB President talks with Kenya Volleyball Federation President Waithaka Kioni and Malkia Striker’s captain Mercy Moim

Later, Fabio Azevedo lead a Volleyball Empowerment Panel alongside the Head of the FIVB Technical and Development Department Steve Tutton. The panel was an opportunity for the NFs of Tajikistan, Canada, the Philippines, St Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu and the Maldives to share their Volleyball Empowerment journeys. Delegates also heard about the humanitarian support that the FIVB and wider Volleyball Family has provided to Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor and CVC Capital Partners Head of Sports, Media and Entertainment Nick Clarry discuss the first year of Volleyball World

Meanwhile, Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor and CVC Capital Partners Head of Sports, Media and Entertainment, Nick Clarry took to the stage to showcase year one of Volleyball World.

Delegates were shown the many ways in which Volleyball World has worked to help volleyball reach its potential, including through significantly boosting fan engagement and working to secure key partnerships with broadcasters and sponsors such as those with Polsat, ESPN and Mizuno.

Finn Taylor also announced DHL, the leading global logistics brand, as a new Volleyball World global partner [link to release].

The Congress also heard reports on volleyball, beach volleyball and snow volleyball events from the FIVB Head of Volleyball Alise Kessler and Head of Beach Volleyball Yu Cao.

Both presentations looked at the jaw-dropping success of this year’s events, as well as the exciting calendar leading up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 which are now only 671 days away. Delegates also got a first look at the vision for the sport at Paris 2024 and learnt more about the Olympic Qualification system.

FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° presents Jordan Volleyball Federation President HRH Princess Ayah bint Faisal with Jordan’s 50th Anniversary award

Finally, awards were presented to National Federations celebrating their 50th Anniversaries, including Costa Rica, Gambia, Jordan, Nigeria, New Zealand, Scotland, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Zambia. In addition, Micronesia was presented with an award for its 25th Anniversary.

The FIVB World Congress continued today with various items on the agenda such as the FIVB Financial Reports 2020-2021 and reports from the Continental Confederations.