FIVB President shares vision for 2014 beyond

Sochi, Russia, Feb 17, 2014:Following a productive IOC Session in Sochi, FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° outlined his vision for volleyball to take a leading role in helping to actively contribute to the development of the Olympic Movement, through constant innovation and reform.

Speaking at a media round-table just three days after the official opening of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, President Graça said: “As President, it is important for me to be in Sochi to give the FIVB a clear voice at this crucial time in the development of the Olympic Movement. It has been clear in the discussions that have taken place over the past few days that we are about to embark on a period of significant change. The FIVB is fully committed to the Olympic Agenda 2020 and we are keen to use the experience we have gained and successes we have achieved to help the IOC in the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

With volleyball already proven as one of the most popular Olympic sports and a key player in the Olympic Movement, President Graça is committed to reinforcing the sport’s position in the lead up to Rio 2016 where beach volleyball in particular will be a signature event.

President Graça said: “It is our vision for volleyball to be a modern and innovative sport which is popular for all sports fans of all ages around the world. By constantly innovating and embracing the very latest sports industry technology we want to expand the boundaries of sports entertainment and provide a true spectacle for all spectators. More than this we want to deliver a sport which inspires and motivates young people around the world to participate in sport and stimulates social change. We are always looking at ways of engaging fresh audiences and we recently launched a new corporate social responsibility programme which will allow volleyball and beach volleyball to reach new markets and open doors to new countries in Africa and Asia.

“We recognise that to reach these audiences that we must also be innovative in our communication. This is critical in order to engage a wider and younger volleyball fan base and introduce new audiences to the world of volleyball, and this is why the FIVB is increasingly active on the communication front, especially in social media.” —- FIVB