NORCECA-FIVB International Sports Excellence Center Opens Level
I International Coaches Course with Participants from Ten
Countries
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 22, 2026.- The
NORCECA-FIVB International Sports Excellence Center in Santo
Domingo, opened the Level I International Coaches Course on
Tuesday. The course, which runs from September 22 to 26, brings
together 31 participants from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic
and Venezuela as part of its initiatives to strengthen
volleyball education and technical development.
The opening ceremony was led by Garibaldi Bautista, president of
the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), who highlighted the work
of the NORCECA-FIVB International Sports Excellence Center in
the Dominican Republic and its contribution to the training of
coaches from different countries.
During his remarks, Bautista emphasized the Dominican Olympic
Committee’s continued support for the Center’s activities and
recognized the work of its director, Professor Nelson José
Ramírez, for his dedication and commitment to sports development.
“At the Dominican Olympic Committee, we always follow the work
of this Excellence Center. We congratulate its director, Nelson
José Ramírez, because his work has been recognized worldwide.
This is a very active institution and a great example of
dedication,” Bautista said.
He also encouraged participants to make the most of the
knowledge they will acquire during the course and apply it to
the development of volleyball in their respective countries.
Wellington Valenzuela, who delivered the welcoming remarks,
expressed the Dominican Volleyball Federation’s pride in hosting
this international training center. He also welcomed the coaches
and wished them success throughout their training.
Dr. Bernardo Mesa, Technical Director of Centro Caribe Sports, a
special guest and volleyball expert, encouraged participants to
take full advantage of the instruction provided by international
instructor Juan Cartagena, whom he described as a highly
experienced professional with extensive knowledge of the trends
and demands of modern volleyball.
Cartagena highlighted the efforts of the International
Volleyball Federation (FIVB) through its Empowerment Program,
which aims to strengthen the education and development of those
involved in the sport.
The instructor noted that these initiatives contribute to the
growth of volleyball worldwide and praised the FIVB’s support
for the NORCECA-FIVB International Sports Excellence Center, as
well as the Center’s ongoing training activities.
Professor Nelson José Ramírez, director of the Center, expressed
his satisfaction at welcoming the 31 coaches and emphasized that
the course reflects the institution’s objective of strengthening
the preparation of those who contribute to volleyball
development.
“At the FIVB, NORCECA and the International Sports Excellence
Center, we are very pleased to have you with us for this course.
We continue to fulfill our objective of providing training to
everyone who works for our sport,” Ramírez said.
The director expressed special appreciation to FIVB President
Fabio Azevedo and NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz for
their continued support of the training initiatives carried out
by the Center.
The Level I International Coaches Course is being held at the
Dominican Republic’s National Volleyball Training Center, which
continues to serve as a venue for learning, professional
development and knowledge exchange among volleyball
professionals from different countries.
The course is part of the NORCECA-FIVB International Sports
Excellence Center’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coaches’
education and contribute to the technical development of
volleyball throughout the region..
