Giovanni Malago praises universality and gender parity in volleyball

Cagliari, Italy, October 31, 2014 – The President of the Italian Olympic Committee Giovanni Malago praised the universality and gender parity existing in volleyball as well as the advance in the use of technology in the sport.

Malago expressed his words during his welcoming speech at the official opening ceremony of the 34th World Congress of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in Cagliari on Friday.

“I feel like at home because I feel on the same page and tuning with the sport discipline and the persons who represent it, because they are persons of respect,” Malago stated.

“The universality of your movement with the gender parity makes me feel very happy as well as the use of technology in the sport,” he said.

“I am also happy to have this congress in Italy and happy for my longtime friend Carlo Magri, just after the women’s world championship in Italy,” Malago added.

“We finished in fourth place but in the sport culture you are always a winner even when you don’t get one of the medals,” he said.

Gianmario Demuro, Advisor for General Affairs of the Sardinian region, also took a turn during the ceremony on behalf of the public local authorities saying the whole community feels very proud to host the FIVB World Congress.

“The sport is fundamental for the growth, health, integration and solidarity of the people and it is my honor to welcome all of you to our land,” Demuro said.

Finally Carlo Magri, President of the Italian Volleyball Federation, said “this Congress is very special being held immediately after the world championships in Poland and Italy.”

“Volleyball has arrived to a launching point,” he said. “And I have to thank Ary Graca, (Cristobal) Marte Hoffiz, (Andre) Meyer for giving Italy the opportunity to host this Congress in Sardinia, a marvelous land.”

“My greetings and a big hug to all of you,” he said. “I am always glad when talking about volleyball a beautiful sport and I want to congratulate to all the people of Sardinia for organizing this congress.”