Tireless campaign in favor of the sport by FIVB President in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, August 24, 2016 – FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° carried out an intensive program of activities during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as part of the FIVB campaign to make volleyball and beach volleyball the entertainment sport of the families.

The Volleyball House, the Copacabana Stadium and the iconic Maracanazinho were the scenarios where the president of FIVB hosted a series of meetings and activities involving political, social and sport personalities throughout the Olympics.

In a letter to all National Federations, reflecting on the huge success of volleyball and beach volleyball, Dr. Graça thanked everybody for their support in the years that led up to the Games and said now it is time to start looking forward to Tokyo 2020 as both sports continue in their golden era.

Good examples of the tireless efforts of Dr. Graça in Rio were, among many others:

- The celebration of Fathers’ Day on August 14 at Copa Courts in front of the Volleyball House where Brazilian families gathered to play the sport they love.

- The launching of the Athletes’ Commission as part of the continued movement to go in line with the recommendations of the IOC to ensure their interest are represented in all FIVB decisions.

-  The use of a public school as its business hospitality house during the Games leaving a sustainable legacy for the students and teachers of the school.

-  Confirmation of The Hague as hosts of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour for the next three years for the next three years following the overwhelming success of the 2015 World Championships.

-  Reception held at the Volleyball House to the International Academy of Sports Science and Technology as education is a key role in the development of sport and FIVB is committed to nurturing the next generation of the volleyball family both on and off the court.

- The signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with Chaka 2, the agency responsible for creating and organizing the Snow Volleyball Tour.

- On August 17, the FIVB President took part in the award ceremony of the Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament after watching the actions in the company of IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach.

- The following day, the FIVB welcomed the Special Olympics delegation to the Volleyball House in Copacabana for the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

- On August 19, the FIVB celebrated the 20th anniversary of the sport being part of the Olympic program in the presence of the Brazilian women who competed for the gold medal.

- The FIVB President attended the men’s final at Maracanazinho and took part in the medal ceremony in a packed venue on August 21. Later that day, he was present at the Closing Ceremony.