NORCECA Congress opens in San Jose, Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, October 28, 2017. - The 24^th NORCECA Congress opened in San Jose, Costa Rica where the 41 affiliated Volleyball Federations attended for the two-day working sessions.

NORCECA President, Cristobal Marte Hoffiz opened the event with welcoming words confirming that NORCECA stands as one family “I appreciate from the bottom of my heart your presence here, especially those Caribbean countries and Mexico who suffered from recent natural disasters; not only do I express my sympathy but that on behalf of FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça”.

Opening day included the presence of the President of Costa Rica’s National Olympic Committee, Mr. Henry Muñoz and Sports Institute Director of Costa Rica, Mrs. Alba Quezada.

The NORCECA Confederation countries have been facing challenges every year, making our region stronger, “we are one family moving forward, preparing to overcome many more challenges in the only way possible: with hard work” Marte Hoffiz added.

Special guest, FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo also addressed the congress with opening words “NORCECA has a splendid team, you all work hard. It is not easy but everyone is capable, no matter their size or resources. We must seek to be relevant, transform our sport inspiring children to start practicing volleyball, which is our job. FIVB recently launched the Volleyball Nations League which we expect to be a great success and we want you on board, united and together”.

Day one included a review of NORCECA’s achievements for the past two years, showing that National Federations are putting our Confederation in the highest place. Marte Hoffiz stressed that NORCECA is a tool to make things happen, providing the necessary guidance no matter how big or small the National Federation.

One of the matters approved by the Congress was the appointment of Mrs. Lori Okimura from United States and Mr. Mark Eckert of Canada as members of the Board of Administration.

Marte Hoffiz presented his President Report, explaining in full extension all the Zonal, Continental and Pan American tournaments organized by NORCECA, becoming the only Confederation that has complete the three stage World Championship Qualification Tournaments; he also included important partnerships that contribute to our income and mentioned the activities of the Regional Development Centers in Santo Domingo, Tijuana and Barbados.

AFECAVOL President Edgar Alvarado, CAZOVA President Mushtaque Mohammed, ECVA President Glenn Quinlan and Central Zone President Mireya Luis, presented their zonal reports.

Also Nelson Ramirez, Alberto Arreola and Kenmore Byron along with Mushtaque Mohammed presented the reports of the three Development Centers, explaining their important role in the region.