FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° today officially opened the 39th World FIVB Congress, where he warmly welcomed delegates to Porto, Portugal.
The Congress brings together representatives from across the global Volleyball Family, as delegates from nearly 200 of the FIVB’s National Federations have gathered to shape the future of the sport.
In his opening speech, which the President delivered after receiving a standing ovation from the Congress, Dr Graça stated:“The Congress is very special to me. Not only because it marks the end of my mandate as president of the FIVB… but also because it is the perfect time to look back and celebrate what we have done together.”
The global Volleyball Family have gathered together in Portugal to celebrate the sport
The President then discussed his legacy of “innovation and opportunity” within the sport. He expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their support throughout his time at the helm of the FIVB and emphasised how their unity has transformed the sport. “Together, with all of you—my dear National Federations and members of the volleyball family—we have created a new reality for our sport.”
He added: “Let’s remember the past! Let’s celebrate the present! Let’s focus on the future!”
President Graça received a standing ovation on the opening day of the World Congress
The Congress also witnessed a special video from the IOC President, who reflected on the remarkable mandate of FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F°, by stating:
“As your presidency comes to an end, you and the entire volleyball community can look back on 12 years of innovation and progress”.
“It is the sum of all these things; revolutionary vision and leadership, your drive for innovation, progress and opportunity and your unwavering commitment to our Olympic mission, all of this taken together explains why you enjoy not only the utmost respect and admiration from me, but that of the entire Olympic community.”
IOC President Thomas Bach reflected on the many achievements of FIVB President Dr Graça and the growth of volleyball over the last 12 years
Also taking to the stage on the opening morning of the Congress was the President of the Portuguese Volleyball Federation and President of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission Vicente Araujo and the Portuguese Secretary of State for Sport Dr Pedro Dias.
They both explained their pleasure at welcoming the global Volleyball Family to Portugal for the momentous occasion and expressed their thanks to the FIVB President for his work and support. President Vicente Araujo stated: “I wish that this Congress will help us to have an {even more} clear insightful vision and that…volleyball can be a means for peace”.