|
LAUSANNE, January 6, 2022 - FIVB President Dr
Ary S Graça F° looks ahead with hope and
optimism to a very special year for volleyball
and beach volleyball in the first edition in
2022 of sport intern, the Olympic News Digest
and International Inside Sports Newsletter.
“As
the world enters 2022, we remain faced with
significant challenges. Make no mistake, the
year ahead will not be a return to the world as
we once knew it and yet, I remain filled with
great hope and optimism that this will be an
incredible year for sport and the Olympic
Movement. Why? Because we are better equipped
than ever to deal with any challenges that come
our way. We know how to adapt without
hesitation and remain flexible. And ultimately,
we are able to bring the joy of sport to fans
worldwide while ensuring the health and
well-being of everyone involved.
“For
volleyball and beach volleyball in particular,
2022 is set to be a very special year. From both
women’s and men’s world championships in
volleyball and beach volleyball, to a revamped
Volleyball Nations League (VNL) format and
brand-new Beach Pro Tour, 2022 will be a
year-round festival for our sport. No doubt we
will see electrifying action, spectacular feats
of sporting excellence and the emergence of
champions both old and new.
“Never before in history, have we held three
world championships in one year. The first of
which will be the FIVB Beach Volleyball World
Championships on 7-19 June in the beautiful city
of Rome, Italy. Rome has already proved its
beach volleyball credentials with the fantastic
2011 edition of the world championships and more
recently, the 2019 FIVB World Tour Finals. The
Italian capital understands the key to creating
a festival of beach volleyball both on and off
the court, and I have no doubt that Rome will
deliver a fantastic showcase of the world’s most
charming sport.
“Just
over two months after our beach volleyball
champions are crowned, the Volleyball Family
will have the opportunity to witness
electrifying action at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s
World Championship Russia 2022 from 26 August to
11 September. In the history of this event,
there has never been an edition with such a vast
geography. And with our athletes taking centre
stage across the country, volleyball will create
an energy and momentum like never before,
inspiring the next generation of players and
fans worldwide.
“Then, just under two weeks later on 23
September, the world’s top women’s national
teams will embark on their championship journeys
at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World
Championship in the Netherlands and Poland. Both
countries have extensive experience in
delivering world-class volleyball events, in
addition to passionate volleyball fans who will
ensure an electric atmosphere.
“As
you can see, we have very strong hosts for our
major events in 2022, and this is testament to
the popularity of our sport, as well as the
FIVB’s commitment to embracing innovation in
everything we do. This innovation-driven mindset
is evident in our groundbreaking partnership
with CVC Capital Partners last year, which led
to the launch of Volleyball World, the
commercial entity for the sport around the
world.
“It
is also apparent in the new format of the VNL as
it enters its fourth edition next year. This
revamped format will provide teams, fans and
spectators the opportunity to enjoy the very
best of volleyball in 12 unique locations around
the world, all while reducing travel and
allowing for longer promotional activities and
fan activations.
“And
the new, cutting-edge Volleyball World Beach Pro
Tour will also get underway in March 2022 for
its inaugural season. An incredible line-up of
iconic locations has already been secured across
all five of our Continental Confederations. I
personally held discussions with the Maldives,
Mexico and some other countries that we can now
see in the calendar hosting events.
“Away
from the court, the FIVB continues to find new
ways to support its National Federations and
improve the value of volleyball and beach
volleyball globally. The revenue that comes from
the sport and its events is directly reinvested
back into the sport through our comprehensive
development programmes. This includes our
revolutionary Volleyball Empowerment programme
where we help national teams, athletes and
National Federations reach their full potential
through targeted support, while our
application-based support will, as always,
remain open 365 days a year for our 222 member
federations.
“Indeed, the stage is set for 2022 to be a year
of non-stop volleyball and beach
volleyball action both on and off the court. But
as I mentioned earlier, it will not be without
its challenges. So we must all continue to be
careful and vigilant, paying meticulous
attention to ensuring the health and well-being
of the global Volleyball Family.
“Of
course, our sport does not exist in isolation
and we therefore do not face the challenges
ahead alone. Instead, we stand shoulder to
shoulder with the Olympic Movement and global
sports community, ready to ensure that sport
plays its part in the ongoing fight against
COVID-19 and recovery thereafter.
“So
please all look to the year ahead with great
optimism, excitement and determination. The
future of sport is bright and, together, we can
ensure that it shines ever brighter!
“On
behalf of the FIVB, I would like to wish
everyone, both within and beyond the global
Volleyball Family, good health and happiness in
2022.” |
