27th NORCECA Congress Opens in Punta Cana
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2024.-
The first day of sessions of 27th NORCECA Congress brought together the
41 affiliated National Volleyball Federations from North, Central
America, and the Caribbean. The NORCECA Congress sets the stage for
shaping the future of volleyball in the region, encompassing both
volleyball and beach volleyball disciplines.
Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, NORCECA President, opened the congress by
reflecting on the progress made over the past two years and setting the
vision for the future. “We are not just celebrating the sport; we are
celebrating the community, the unity, and the unwavering spirit that
volleyball embodies in our region”, he stated. Hoffiz emphasized the
importance of continued development and innovation to elevate the
sport's status and reach within member nations.
In a compelling address, Dr. Ary Graça, FIVB President, highlighted the
global perspective and the critical role of regional bodies like
NORCECA. “The growth and success of volleyball in our regions contribute
to the sport's global impact. NORCECA's achievements are integral to the
FIVB's mission to make volleyball the number one family sport in the
world”, said Graça. He praised the collaborative efforts within NORCECA
and stressed the importance of programs like Volleyball Empowerment in
fostering talent at all levels.
Also addressing the NORCECA Congress was Luis Mejía Oviedo, President of
Caribe Sports, Garibaldy Bautista, President of the Dominican Republic
Olympic Committee, and Ramón A. García, President of the Dominican
Republic Volleyball Federation, welcomed delegates and highlighted the
host nation's commitment to volleyball.
The congress reviewed the comprehensive NORCECA Volleyball Confederation
2023 Report, detailing the organization's activities, covering the
regional, continental, intercontinental, international competitions,
development and events that were organized in accordance with the FIVB
regulations and with NORCECA’s staff and technical support personnel.
During these years, NORCECA began to recover the seriousness of its
volleyball and beach volleyball competitions in our continent,
registering an increase in its development and promotion, which had an
impact by establishing the necessary conditions to ensure the future of
our sport in the continent.
Reports from NORCECA working commissions were presented (available on
the NORCECA website). These commissions have been instrumental in
driving forward initiatives that align with NORCECA's strategic goals.
Discussions emphasized the need for innovative approaches to enhance the
sport's appeal and accessibility.
The press and mass media commission was renamed after Roosevelt
Comarazamy who passed away in November 2022, honoring his memory.
Roosevelt Comarazamy was one of the best sports journalists of the
Dominican Republic and a member of our family, respected in volleyball
worldwide, and successfully fulfilled his duties as NORCECA Press
Officer for several years.
The Volleyball Regional Development Center activities were another focal
point, showcasing their key role in training athletes, coaches, and
referees. The Development Center in Dominican Republic has become a hub
of excellence, providing high-quality resources and training
opportunities that are crucial for the development of volleyball in the
region.
The 2024-2025 NORCECA Program was also presented, laying out the
calendars for volleyball and beach volleyball competitions.
The final presentations of the day were an overview of the FIVB
Volleyball Empowerment Program and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation.
The Volleyball Empowerment program was also included in the development
commission report, detailing the investment throughout the Zonal
Associations that conform NORCECA.
Benefits of Volleyball Empowerment are access to human resources
(coaches and entourage), structure and equipment, young athletes’
management, and it contributes for National Federations to be
self-sustainable.
The Volleyball Foundation was launched recently, this is a new
initiative focused on using the global reach and power of volleyball to
support community projects worldwide that have a positive impact.
The 27th NORCECA Congress resumes on Sunday with General Elections for
the 2024-2028 period, among other matters. |