FIVB welcomes LEAP programme participants

to Volleyball House

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 4, 2025.- The FIVB proudly welcomed participants from the LEAP Programme to Volleyball House this week, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the work of the International Federation, the activities within the Global Volleyball Movement, and the development of volleyball around the world. 

LEAP, the International Leadership Programme for German Sport Officials and Athletes, is designed to equip future sports leaders with the skills and knowledge required to take on senior roles in international sports organizations. Led by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and supported by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) in Germany, the programme aims to strengthen German representation in global sports governance while promoting values of integrity, transparency and sustainability.

During their visit to Volleyball House, LEAP participants were given a guided tour and attended a series of presentations from FIVB executives. FIVB President Fabio Azevedo shared the organization’s Strategic Vision 2032, outlining the long-term roadmap for global volleyball development under the motto “Together as One”.

The participants also heard from FIVB Head of Legal and General Counsel Stephen Bock on such important topics as good governance and the ASOIF Report, highlighting best practices in international sports administration as well as about the major volleyball and beach volleyball events, with presentations on the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the upcoming 2025 World Championships, and LA 2028. The work of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which uses the global reach and power of volleyball to support community projects worldwide that have a positive impact has also been presented.

The participants also heard about major volleyball and beach volleyball events, with Alise Kessler, FIVB Head of Volleyball, and Yu Cao, FIVB Head of Beach Volleyball, presenting on the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the upcoming 2025 World Championships, and LA 2028.

Paulo Barone, Head of Development and Sustainability, introduced the work of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which uses the global reach and power of volleyball to support community projects worldwide that have a positive impact.

Speaking about the visit, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo said:

“It was an honour to welcome the participants of the LEAP Programme to Volleyball House today and share insights about the FIVB, Volleyball World and the Volleyball Foundation. Collaboration and knowledge sharing is the foundation of progress in sport. We are glad to have played a part in encouraging that, to empower and inspire future leaders who I have no doubt will play a positive role in the development of global sport in the years to come.”

Julius Brink, Olympic Champion in beach volleyball in London 2012,  LEAP participant added: “The warm welcome at Volleyball House was spectacular – coming here with the LEAP programme and discussing key developments in our sport and the federation was very insightful and valuable for our entire group, but also rewarding for me personally.”