De la Cruz praises qualities of Marte Hoffiz

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 17, 2016 – Bethania De la Cruz, captain of the Dominican Republic women’s national team praised the personal qualities of NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz on the occasion of his induction into the Dominican Republic Sport Hall of Fame on Sunday.

De la Cruz was one of several members of the senior team who attended the ceremony where former player Cosiris Rodriguez was also one of a total of fifteen new inductees.

“It is a privilege and I am fortunate to be accompanying such special person for all of us,” De la Cruz said. “This recognition is being presented not to an individual but to a history, to one person dedicated to serve people, to enhance his country, to a role model.”

“If I am ever questioned about what Mr. Cristobal Marte means for all of us, the members of the National Volleyball Program, the first word that comes to my mind is ‘leader’, but that would be a very simple definition because he is more than that. He our leader, he is our friend, he is like a father and a mentor for us, she added.

The induction ceremony was presided over by Dr. Luis Schecker Ortiz, president of the Dominican Republic Sport Hall of Fame and Mayo Sibilia as President of Honor.

FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° attended the ceremony and was accompanied by Mr. Luis Mejia Oviedo, president of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee and Mr. Danilo Diaz, Minister of Sports and Recreation.