President “Very Proud” of New Development Workshop

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, October 4, 2016 – FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° was emotionally moved when evaluating the Development Workshop which took on a new format in the spirit of innovation.

Three development sessions focused on National Federation sustainable management, communication/social media and Volleyball YourWay provided an excellent platform for discussion and interaction before Brazil Olympic champion and FIVB Athletes Commission President gave an inspirational speech to the audience.

“I stand here very proud,” President Graça said when providing the closing address to the Workshop. “My mandate has been based on innovation and opportunities and today is a perfect example of this. It has been a new way to have a conversation. Everyone had the opportunity to agree or disagree.

“I trust you were all stimulated. This is my function as President. It is to stimulate you.

“I would like to thank our friends from Canada, Brazil and Serbia for sharing their lessons about funding and sustainable management. 

“Also this morning, our friends from Thailand and Slovenia had some great examples of how to communicate. And our guests from T y C sports showed us what the result of good communication can be.

“I am always interested to hear new stories from our members. At the FIVB we want to tell you our stories to inspire you to tell your stories to an ever-growing fan base.

“Of course, the FIVB cannot do this if you do not tell us your news. Make sure you keep in regular touch with our Communications Department. I hope you will always remember to share your good news and your best stories with them.

“For VolleyballYourWay, we had so many good examples from the development team at the FIVB, from our friends in the Netherlands, Haiti, Austria and of course here in Argentina. 

“The festival concept is very important in realizing our ambition to become the number one family entertainment sport in the world. We talk often about inspiration. But the inspiration that comes from watching a great athlete does not work on everybody. 

“There are some people, especially parents, who no longer make sport part of their lives. More than half of the adults in many societies no longer do any sport. It is a great problem. These people are not like us. They no longer feel connected to sport. And it is not enough just to show them more sport. 

“Instead, we must offer more than just sport. We must provide entertainment and community and a chance to participate in a friendly way. That is how we can bring people back to sport. And that is what we put together in the VolleyBallYourWay festivals.

“Thank you of course to my friend Giba. He is a great example of a great player who is giving back to our sport in a great way. As we develop, we must always listen to the players and make them part of our future.”