No 111 February 2003 English edition

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE

SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour SWATCH and FIVB announce major sponsorship deal

The Federation International de Vol- phenomenal success we enjoyed at the leyball (FIVB) and SWATCH, one of 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games has cre- the world's leading designers and ated a wave of popularity in many manufactures of timing devices and countries," said Angelo Squeo, FIVB wristwatches, have signed a major Beach Volleyball Coordinator. "We sponsorship agreement whereby welcome SWATCH as our partner and SWATCH becomes title sponsor for we look forward to working hand-in- the Beach Volleyball World Tour. hand with them to further develop the sport. In keeping with SWATCH's innova- tive reputation, the deal goes beyond Beach Volleyball is definitely on the mere financial support to include tim- brink of becoming one of the world's ing and technical innovations like the most popular summer sports and this supply of electronic scoreboards and important partnership will enhance electronic measurements of speed of that situation even more. service etc., features that will increase public and media interest in a rapidly growing summer sport.

"The energy and lifestyle of Beach Swatch athlete Martin Laciga going Volleyball is a perfect fit with what for a dive Swatch is all about. We have been involved in the sport on different convinced that Beach Volleyball levels for many years. This global would become the most popular sum- agreement is a natural progres- mer sport, and they were also commit- sion of that involvement."said ted to a massive public relations and Michele Sofisti, President of communication campaign to further Swatch. enhance its image. Angelo Squeo, FIVB Beach Volleyball The company, which has a huge inter- Coordinator "We know Beach Volleyball is a magic national profile and is a "watchword" mix of sport and entertainment and it in many countries, will also produce a is enjoying phenomenal growth in special Beach Volleyball SWATCH many countries, so we are very happy watch and be present at all events with New this year! to welcome an international partner of points of sales and merchandising For the first time ever - the four-leg Grand the quality of SWATCH," said FIVB activities. Slam President, Dr. Rubén Acosta. Berlin, Germany - June 24-29 "It is clear to us that the interest in Marseille, France - July 15-20 "The energy and lifestyle of Beach Vol- Beach Volleyball is exploding. The Klagenfurt, Austria - July 30 - August 2 leyball is a perfect fit with what Swatch phenomenal success we enjoyed Long Beach, California - Sept 16-21 is all about," said Michele Sofisti, Pres- at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic The ultimate challenge for any team - can ident of Swatch. "We have been Games has created a wave of pop- they win all four? involved in the sport on different lev- ularity in many countries," said els for many years. This global agree- Angelo Squeo, FIVB Beach Volley- ment is a natural progression of that ball Coordinator. involvement." www.fivb.org/ For full calendar details (and much more SWATCH executives told the FIVB "It is clear to us that the interest in volleyball news) go to www.fivb.org during the negotiations that they were Beach Volleyball is exploding. The

Find out more at www.fivb.org FIVB FIVB FIVB LAUNCHES BUSY YEAR FIVB CODE OF CONDUCT NOW ONLINE

Commission Meetings IMPORTANT NOTICE The 2002 FIVB World Con- gress (Buenos The month of January was a busy one at On Friday, February 7, 2003, the Civil Aires Septem- FIVB headquarters in January with a Court of the Canton of Vaud (Canton De ber 21-23) put range of important Commission Meet- Vaud, Tribunal d'Arrondissement de the seal of ings, which assess and plan the business Lausanne) upheld the FIVB suspension approval on the FIVB Code of Conduct. The document is unique among interna- of the Federation and of Volleyball, on November 7, 2002 of Mario Goijman, tional sports federations and has drawn ahead of the Executive Committee Meet- former president of the Argentine Vol- praise from the IOC for its concept, thor- ing and later, the Board of Administra- leyball Federation. Goijman was sus- pended over violations to the FIVB Code oughness and attention to detail. tion. of Conduct and Constitution, as well as for breaches of contractual agreements Part One of the FIVB Code of Conduct The Sports Events Council opened the concerning the organization of the 2002 lists five fundamental Rules of Conduct, proceedings, followed by the Legal, Ref- Men's World Championships. namely: (1) Ethics, (2) Conflicts of Inter- ereeing, Rules of the Game, Press, Devel- est, (3) Sports Offences and Sanctions, (4) opment, Medical, Technical, Coaching The court further ordered Mr. Goijman Administrative Offences and Sanctions, and Finance Commissions. The series of to pay the FIVB the amount of CHF 4,650 and (5) Financial Offences and Sanctions. meetings started just one week after the in costs. The ruling of the Civil Court thus Part Two of the document gives precise Secretariat reopened after the Christmas- confirmed the validity of the FIVB legal Rules for Procedure. New Year break and concluded on system, the Code of Conduct and of its February 1. Constitution. For those interested in examining the docu- ment in total, the FIVB Code of Conduct is now available in pdf format online in English and French.

One Billion Awareness FIVB JOINS FORCES WITH GLOBAL SPORTS ALLIANCE Project

The FIVB and Global Sports Alliance on Tuesday agreed to join forces The One Billion Awareness project to help raise environmental awareness through sport. was developed in line with GSA's objectives of uniting a billion sports Global Sports Alliance is a non-profit organization committed to the enthusiasts worldwide in the cre- creation of a sustainable society and to developing environmentally ation of a new kind of society that aware sports culture. The program of cooperation does not mass produce, mass con- will be launched to coincide with World Environ- sume and mass dispose of the earth's ment Day on June 5, 2003. precious resources.

"We have reached an era where it is important to mobilize human For more information take a look at resources and there is nothing more valuable to our fundamental exis- the Global Sports Alliance website at tence than to take care of our environment," said www.gsa.or.jp FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta, pledging support and cooperation to Global Sports Alliance and their ECO FLAG project.

Mr. Tatsuo Okada, the Executive Director of Global Sports Alliance was in Lausanne to meet with Dr. Acosta to discuss possible cooperation. He Mr. Tatsuo said his organization was determined to reach a billion people inter- Okada ested in sport, and who are already aware of the benefits of a cleaner environment. The Global Sports Alliance worked also with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The FIVB will display the Alliance's ECO FLAG at Beach Volleyball events and will work towards integrating environmental aware- ness into their Park Volley program, and into other grass roots activities.

The ECO FLAG symbolizes the commitment to the environment of sports enthusiasts and everyone who knows the importance and irreplaceable nature of the water, air and green- Eco Friendly Beach Volleyball! ery that surrounds us. Beach Volleyball World Tour event at The FIVB, with its five continental confederations and 217 affiliated National Federations Gstaad, Switzerland is setting the is the world's biggest international sport federations. Through its eight Development Cen- example by players using Bicycles for ters in Africa, Asia and Latin America, its Sports Aid Program, as well as its program with local transport in this picturesque UNHCR to bring Volleyball to refugees and returnees in camps in troubled areas of the world, the Federation works to bring the joy of Volleyball to as many people as possible alpine town. across the globe. Gastaad 2003 - 17-22 June BE THERE!

2 FIVB X-Press No 111 February 2003 FIVB

DEVELOPMENT VOLLEYBALL AMBITIOUS AND FAR-REACHING VOLLEYBALL INSPECTION TRIP TO PROGRAM FOR CONGO ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

Inspired by FIVB training courses and from input from FIVB's Sports Aid Program, the Congolese Volleyball Federation have launched an ambitious and far-reaching program - not only to lay the foundations for Volleyball to be a widely played mass sport, but also to recognize and select talented children to form the future School Teachers in charge of the Senior FIVB Official Mr. Franz Schmied elite in the sport. project (centre) and top officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran Volleyball Federation, The first phase of the project targets 9-13 Mr. Ebrahim Nemati, Secretary General year-old children in the primary schools of Brazzaville, whereby seven schools have (right) and Mr.Saeed Derakhshandeh, been supplied with balls and nets to begin phase one of the project. The project cov- International Relations Manager (left). ers seven districts in Brazzaville, populated by some 900,000 inhabitants.

Although Volleyball was introduced into the Congo in 1948, it has, until now, failed Mr. Franz Schmied, one of FIVB's most to enjoy the same popularity as soccer and handball. The Federation intends to well known figures, in February traveled change all that with the new project that includes studies to establish the needs and to the Islamic Republic of Iran to carry out requirements, and well as establishing policies that will lay the foundation to trans- an inspection of the venues for the 2003 form Volleyball into a sport for the masses. Men's Under-21 Junior World Champi- onship (August 23-31). Mr Schmied met Talent Spotting for consultations with senior officials of Schools are being targeted to recruit promis- the I.R. Iran Volleyball Association and ing stars of the future, starting with physical inspected all the proposed venues, aptitude tests to select talented youngsters including two competitions halls, train- for concentrated training. ing halls, press facilities and hotels for teams, officials and the press. Competi- Congratulations tion Hall No. 1 has a seating capacity of FIVB congratulates the Congolese Volleyball 12,000, Mr. Schmied reported. Federation and the dynamism of its President The Congolese Volleyball Federation Joseph MOKANDA MORAMWA for this Media Interest presents balls and nets to the school excellent initiative. X-PRESS looks forward to Twenty two journalists and two national teachers being able to report on the program's future suc- television stations attended a post cess and results. inspection press conference organized by the President of the Iranian Volleyball Federation, Mr. Mohammed-Reza Yaz- dani-Khorram. Mr. Schmied, Mr. www.fivb.org/ Ebrahim Nemati, the Federation's Secre- tary General and Mr. Saeed Derakhshan- Did you know...... ? deh, the International Relations Man- For more interesting facts vist our website at www.fivb.org ager, all attended the press conference. The amount of media interest sends a positive signal for the success of this event, which certainly serves as a step In 1949… the first Men's World Cham- towards top global competition for the pionship was held in Prague and won champions of tomorrow. by the USSR. This was also the first time a setter penetrated from the back line, Teams already qualified leading to a three-player attack. Teams already qualified for the Champi- onship are winners of Continental Cham- In 1952….the first Women's World pionships. As Iran is the Asian Continen- Championship was held in Moscow tal Championship but qualifies as host and won by the USSR. country, second placed India takes the berth. Italy qualifies as European cham- In 1964…..the first Olympic Volleyball pion, Brazil from South America, Canada tournaments were played in Tokyo from NORCECA and Egypt from Africa. during the Olympic games with 10 The other 10 berths are decided during men's teams and 6 women's teams. The Poland Vs. the Netherlands in the first Junior Continental Qualification Tourna- gold medal for the men went to the ments. These must be played before May men’s World Championship in Prague, USSR, and for the women's to Japan. 1949 31st, 2003.

FIVB X-PressFIVB X-PressNo 111 FNebor103uary May200 32002 3 BEACH VOLLEYBALL BEACH VOLLEYBALL ICONS LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL dent of the FIVB Beach Volleyball TRAINING CAMP World Council. FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta has In the short but richly colorful Beach welcomed the new venture congratu- Volleyball, no two names are more syn- lating Sinjin and Randy on their efforts onymous that Sinjin (Smith) and to pass on their skill to the new genera- Randy (Stoklos). This all-time great tion. "Sinjin and Randy enjoyed amaz- combination have now rejoined forces ing success as a team and I congratulate to give aspiring young champions the them for having the inspiration to pass chance to be groomed for big events at on some of their skills to today's hope- their International Training Camp. fuls," Dr. Acosta said. The Camp will be located in the Heart- land of Beach Volleyball, on the beach Sinjin and Randy paired up to take in Santa Monica, California, and is more than 100 victories nationally and open to anyone aspiring to compete at internationally. Their team, which the highest level. "Teams have already includes other prominent Beach play- signed up for the program in the hope ers and professional coaches, will train players in all aspects of the game, Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos with then IOC Pres- of trying to compete on the FIVB World ident Juan Antonio Samaranch, Brazil 1993 Tour and eventually qualify for the including high level competition. Play- 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, ers will also have access to a physical ," said Sinjin, who is also Presi- training specialist, a nutritional expert and medical staff, Sinjin said.

WAY TO GO, KARIN AND NADIA! Beach Volleyball goes Wild West!

Swiss Beach Volleyball players Karin Trüssel and Nadia Erni are Beach Volleyball at the 2003 Pan Am players with a mission to qualify for the 2004 Athens Olympics, Games (Santo Domingo, Dominican but they are also quality athletes with focus and future. They Republic), will be played in an oval have their support staff, including a mental trainer and a media used for rodeo shows and cattle exhibi- representative, sponsors,logo, flyers, website (www.erni-trues- tions, NORCECA's Confederation sel.ch), speak three languages and have even organized their Press Officer Roosevelt Comarazamy own event, a Country versus Country tournament in the Swiss reports after an inspection of the facil- town of Brienzwiller - small budget, big success! ity.

Nadia in action These two talented young women dropped into the FIVB Beach Called the Cattle Fair Stadium, the oval Volleyball Department recently to tell coordinator Angelo Squeo is enclosed with concrete stands with a about their activities and show the staff their promotional material and news clip- seating capacity for about 3,000 people. pings. "It is great to see these players so motivated," Angelo Squeo said. "We com- mend them for their commitment to the sport and for their efforts to organize their own The stadium is located at just 100 tournament." meters from the Caribbean Sea coast. Knee injury a learning experience Beach Volleyball icon Sinjin Smith and Karin has already overcome much by struggling back from a serious knee USA Volleyball executive Marjorie injury that put her out of contention last year. "It was a learning experience Mara recently inspected the venue, for me, certainly very hard but also valuable, because I realized the thing I commenting that the location is good most want to do is to play Beach Volleyball," Karin told FIVB. Meanwhile and there is enough time for prepara- Karin tion, if work begins immediately. Trüssel partner Nadia, who is known for her monster block in the sand, has been gathering as much match practice as possible, ready to be back on the court with Karin in 2003. Plans are to prepare two warm-up courts in an area currently being used A big year 2003 for "Paso Fino" horse exhibitions and The two started the year in style on the beaches of Brazil, combining some contests. heavy training with their Brazilian coach Ricardo Brunale with an escape from the chilly Swiss winter. They have also mapped out their targets for Sixteen teams of each gender will con- 2003 and want to finish in first place on the Swiss Coop tour, win the Swiss test the Pan Am Beach Volleyball Tour- National Championship, finish in the top five in the CEV Tour, finish in the nament on August 2-9. Matches will be Nadia top four in the European Championship and compete in the FIVB World Erni played in the afternoon and evenings. Tour to finish among the 24 teams that qualify for the Athens Olympics. And on top of all that, they also plan to organize another tournament later in the year back home in Brienziler. www.fivb.org/ These young entrepeneurs even have their own logo! For more details, go to: ..EN/BeachVolleyball/index.asp

4 FIVB X-Press No 111 February 2003 Confederation News

SECRETARIATE NEWS CONFEDERATION NEWS NEW FIVB VICE CSV -A BUSY MONTH FOR SOUTH AMERICA COORDNATOR NAMED Promotion for FIVB’s Lucinda Arsenio with MRV/Minas of the Brazil Superliga, Ms Lucinda Arsenio, well known and scoring six points in her opening match, admired for her dedication to the USA Volleyball has announced. important FIVB Development Pro- grams, as well as her work with the Tom, a two-time American Volleyball Development Centers in Africa, Asia Coaches Association Player of the Year and Latin America and the FIVB Sports and four-time first-team All-American in Aid program, has been promoted to the her four seasons at Stanford University position of vice-coordinator and con- Executive Committee and Referee Commission joined one of the best teams in the top tinues with her work in this high pro- Brazilian domestic league on Jan. 4 file FIVB department. It had been a very dynamic and busy shortly after finishing her collegiate eligi- month for the South American Volley- bility with a runner-up finish at the Lucinda Arsenio joined FIVB in April ball Confederation with the meetings NCAA Championships. Teams in four 1988 at the time when the new offices in of the different Commissions in the countries (Brazil, Italy, Puerto Rico and Lausanne were being inaugurated and headquarters of the city of Lima, Peru. Spain) made offers to sign the talented the Secretariat only had about eight American, a 2000 Olympian for the staff members. She commenced her In terms of the Sports of Organization United States at the age of 19 and one of FIVB career working with the Techni- Commission, their members aproved the stars of the American team that cap- cal Department on mostly matters con- the sports calendar of the next season, tured the silver medal at the 2002 World cerning FIVB competitions, but gradu- that has the South American Club Championships in Germany. ally became more and more involved Leagues as one of the highlights. This with DevelopmenPrograms. event will be held in Ecuador and Bolivia during May for men and women, and of course the South Amer- ican Championships in September in Chile and Colombia. Both will be qual- ifying tournaments for the 2003 World Cups in Japan.

Regarding the Finance Commission, the meeting was very useful to con- Logan Tom in action at the 2003 World clude the regulations that will rule the Championship economic management of the organi- zation in the next years. But in the end she chose to play in Brazil, Ms Lucinda Arsenio, FIVB Vice Coordinator, Peruvians Luis Moreno and Alberto which she has admitted is one of her Silva Santisteban lead the busy sessions favorite places to play in the world. "I giving approval to the sports calendar looked at everything all of the teams She was also involved, in 1989, with the 2003-2007 and other important issues. offered and Brazil came out on top," said beginning of the popular Sports Aid Vice Presidents Ari Graca (Brasil), Tom, 21. "Brazil has always been one of Program (SAP). "I think the best part Rafael Lloreda (Colombia) and Judith my favorite places to play, so of course it for me is that now there has been a shift Rodríguez (Venezuela) had also a very is a bonus to get to play here. But I just in the balance and a growing aware- dynamic participation. wanted to start my professional career." ness by the National Federations about what they can do," Ms. Arsenio told The meeting included the visit of Mr. Tom, however has had to sacrifice her Xpress. She said that now the National César Vértiz Mezzano, President of the trademark No. 15 jersey, which was Federations have gained much more Peruvian Volleyball Federation, who already in possession of another team confidence in what is possible for them presented his projects and plans for member (Marina Donati Daloca). to achieve and there was also a greater this important organization, making a Instead, she will wear the No. 17 for her recognition that FIVB is there to help commitment with the CSV to work new team. The season runs until the end and support their efforts. hard and recover the good level of of April, and Tom figures to return to Peruvian women’s volleyball. Colorado Springs, Colo., to resume train- "There has also been a big improve- ing with the USA Women's National ment in communications, and that is a USA’s Logan Tom signs with Brazilian Team "sometime in May." two-way process," Ms. Arsenio said. Superliga "Of course there has been a big Logan Tom, a pivotal player for the USA Until then she is working hard to learn a improvement in world communica- Women's National Team has launched new language (Portuguese) and to adjust tions generally, but we are also achiev- her professional sporting career in one of to life as a professional athlete. ing better communications between the heartlands of Volleyball, the Brazilian ourselves." city of Belo Horizonte. "Very few of the people here speak Eng- Ms Arsenio's dedication to her work lish, and I am just learning how to speak was recognized at the FIVB World Con- Tom, who was outstanding for the USA Portuguese," Tom admits. "But everyone gress when she was given a standing at the 2002 Women's World Champi- has been really helpful. It gets better each ovation by the delegates. onship, has made her professional debut day.”

FIVBFIVB X-Press X-PressNo 1N1o1103 Febr uMayary 22002003 5 CONFEDERATION NEWS CONFEDERATION NEWS CEV NEWS - NEW NATIONAL COACH FOR ITALY JIRI NOVAK STAR OF INDESIT LEAGUE ROUND

tions. He has won five different champi- Jiri NOVAK of PARIS Volley (FRA) onships in four different cities. He has a has been named Most Valuable Player very strong personality and a winning award of the league round of the Men's attitude. He believes taking on the Indesit European Champions' League. national team is a great challenge and he intends to focus on the Olympic Games (Athens 2004), which he believes is the best way to motivate the team and to show how powerful they can be.

Montali's squad is Francesco Biribanti of Icom Latina (outside hitter); Vigor Bovo- lenta of Kerakoll Modena (middle blocker); Cristian Casoli of Noicom Cuneo, (wing spiker); Matej Cernic of Kerakoll Modena (wing spiker); Alberto Star Player, Jiri Novak in action at the World Cisolla of Sisley Treviso (wing spiker); Championships 2002, Argentina of Asystel Milano(middle The New National Coach for Italy - Gian Paolo blocker); Alessandro Farina of Sisley Tre- The Czech national player thus Montali. (Photo credit to www.volleymilano.it) viso (libero); Alessandro Fei of Sisley Tre- emerges as the star of the Indesit viso (middle blocker, outside hitter); League Round, and was praised by , presently with the of Copra Piacenza (out- representatives of CEV Gold Sponsor club of Milano has been chosen as the side hitter); of Kerakoll CHAMPION, "As Gold Sponsor of the new coach of the Italian National Team. Modena (middle blocker); Pasquale IECL, it is with much pleasure that we He replaces , who fin- Gravina of Lube Macerata (middle award Jiri Novak of Paris Volley as ished the 2002 season with Italy's fourth blocker); of Lube Mac- Most Valuable Player of the first phase place in the World League (their worst erata (middle blocker); of of this exciting competition. ever result), and a fifth place at the World Lube Macerata (setter); of Championship in Argentina. Sisley Treviso (wing spiker); Damiano “We are also proud and honored to Pippi of Kerakoll Modena (libero); Crist- give this prize to a member of one of Montali has already selected a squad of ian Savani of Bossini Montichiari (wing the Champion sponsored teams," said 22 players from which he will choose spiker/outside hitter; Pasquale Sottile of Mr. Bruno Bernardini, in charge of those who will participate in the World Noicom Cuneo (setter); Luca Tencati of sponsorship for Champion. League, the first tournament for the new Sisley Treviso (middle blocker); Paolo National Team. Montali has covered his Torre of Icom Latina (setter); Daniele Player awards in the Indesit Men's bases, naming some new faces, while Vergnaghi of Asystel Milano (libero); League Round retaining some old and familiar ones, Valero Vermiglio of Sisley Treviso (set- Best Scorer: Guillermo Falasca, Knack thus launching a new era for the Italian ter) and of Asystel ROESELARE, Belgium side, he still can call on the talent and Milano (wing-spiker). (Story by Giada Best Spiker: Ernaldo Gomez, Olympia- experience of his big stars. Imperato, Milan) cos PIRAEUS, Greece Best Blocker: Johann Wiebel, Noliko "The Italian Team is now ranked fifth on MAASEIK, Belgium the World Ranking," Montali said. "This European Indesit League Round Best Server: Guillermo Falasca, Knack means that we have to work a lot, be provided top action at both the men’s ROESELARE, Belgium patient and determined and do our best and women’s tournaments Best receiver: Dusan Kubica, Mostostal to demonstrate what we will be able to Azoty KEDZIERZYN, Poland reach."

"I don't have a lot to say, we just have to Player awards in the Indesit work and to take care of three important Women's League Round things: attitude, attitude, attitude!" the Best Scorer: Neslihan Demir, Gunes new national coach said, underlining Vakifbank ISTANBUL, Turkey Best Spiker: Angelina Grün, Volley that he expected his players to dedicate MODENA, Italy themselves to every competition, match, Best Blocker: Anastassia Belikova, set and even rally. Uralochka EKATERINBURG (Russia) Best Server: Neslihan Demir, Gunes Gian Paolo Montali comes to the position Vakifbank ISTANBUL, Turkey with a strong reputation for success, Best Receiver: Alexandra Fomina, RC being the coach with the highest percent- CANNES, France age of victories in all Italian competi-

6 FIVB X-Press No 111 February 2003 Confederation News

CONFEDERATION NEWS Chen Zhonghe, the team's head coach, NORCECA NEWS said the most important target this year was to achieve a top three place at the World Cup scheduled in November in Rebecca Howard to remain Interim USA Women’s team already on the Japan and thus be rewarded with a direct CEO of USAV through 2003 launch pad for 2003 berth to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Rebecca Howard, Boosted by their silver who became interim medal at the 2002 World Dissatisfied with the performance of the Chief Executive Championship team the Chinese women's team at the 2002 World Officer of USA Vol- USA women's team has Championship, Chen indicated that they leyball in September moved into top gear to would have to work on their attacking 2002, will retain that prepare for the coming and their psychological strength. Chen position through season, a vital one which has recruited Wang Lina, a 26-year-old 2003. sees Continental Cham- main spiker from the former national pions and other top teams meet in Japan team, and Chu Jinling, a lofty 1.90cm 18- Howard, who for the World Cup to compete for a direct year-old, to reinforce the side's attacking berth to the Athens 2004 Olympics. Rebecca Howard, is served as the presi- power. also an Executive dent of USA Volley- Officer ball from 1996-2000, The 18-player squad left on February 8 assumed the role of for a training center in Southern China for interim CEO after Kerry Klostermann 100-days training session and every resigned as the executive director to member will be vying for the roster of become Secretary General of the organi- zation. China's national team. The 18 players are: Yang Hao, Zhang Jing, Zhao Ruirui, Feng The search for a permanent Executive Kun, Zhou Suhong, Liu Yanan, Li Shan, Director, or CEO, will resume in 2004, Song Nina, Zhang Yuehong, Chen Jing, according to current USAV President Al Li Ying, Chu Jinling, Wang Lina, Zhang Monaco. Ping, Li Yan, Zhang Na, Zhao Jing and Liu Xiaojia. "We did not receive any applicants who fully met our criteria," Monaco revealed. "We are especially looking for someone who is extremely familiar with our sport and who has had significant executive experience in a similar role. Spirited silver medalists at the 2002 World "It was also determined that what Becky Championship was providing was good for the organi- zation at this time: excellent leadership in the office," he added. USA Volleyball reports from Colorado Howard currently sits on the Executive Springs that one Women's World Cham- Committee and Board of Administration pionship silver medallist and six colle- for both the FIVB, the international gov- giate All-Americans headline the 13- erning body of volleyball, and member 2003 USA Women's Volleyball NORCECA, the continental volleyball training team roster selected by head federation (comprised of North America, coach Toshi Yoshida. Central America and the Caribbean) of which the United States is a member. CONFEDERATION NEWS AVC- NEWS "My primary goal is to make a real differ- ence in the time that I am in this position," Howard said. "I have been amazed at the Chinese team celebrate a point at 2002 World diversity of the issues and problems our Championship association faces on a daily basis." The Chinese women's team has moved into top gear to prepare for a crucial pre- Howard has been on the USAV Board of Olympic season which includes the FIVB . Directors for more than 25 years and the World Cup, World Grand Prix, Asian Executive Committee for a total of 13 Women's Senior Championship and www.fivb.org/ years. She was elected as the first woman other top-level tournaments. Executive Vice-President in 1991 and elected as President in 1995. The 18-member squad selected by the Send us your information and Chinese Volleyball Association retained photos for our next Xpress to: "I am grateful for my broad volleyball 11 players of 2002 national team and Xpress @fivb.org background," she added. "With out it I enlisted three former national veterans feel I would be constantly behind the and four new talents. curve."

FIVB X-Press No 111 February 2003 7 Confederation News

CONFEDERATION NEWS as Tunisia and the organizers were the CAVB NEWS only confirmed participants, the compe- tition had been cancelled.

Training boost for Kenya’s ZONE 2: Men's and Women's tourna- Egypt's National Women's Team National Team ment to be held in Guinea Conakry qualify for the All Africa Games (March 15-25). Senegal and the host coun- The Kenya Men's try are already registered. The Egyptian women's team defeated National Team have ZONE 3: Men's and Women's tourna- Ethiopia for the second time in three received a shot in the arm ment to be held in Burkina Faso (March straight sets recently in the Zone Five after the Kenya National 24-29 with Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, qualifications in Cairo to directly qualify Sports Council (KNSC) Ghana and the host country registered. for the All Africa Games finals, which pledged to allow them to ZONE 4: Men's and Women's tourna- will be held in Nigeria in October 2003. move their training to the indoor facil- ment to be held in Rwanda (February 14- ity of the Moi International Sports Cen- 21 with the organizers, Sao Tome, Gabon The Egyptian women will join another tre in Kasarani, The East African Stan- and Congo Kinshasa. seven teams for the final tournament dard has reported. ZONE 5: Kenya to organize men's tour- with host country Nigeria being an auto- nament (March 14-19) with hosts, plus matic qualifier. Nigeria and Kenya, who Egypt, Sudan and possibly Ethiopia, qualified for the Women's World Cham- The enhanced training facility will Uganda and Tanzania. (Egypt's women boost the Kenya team's preparation for pionship in Germany 2002, are being already qualified) named as medal favorites. the 8th All-Africa Games to be held in ZONE 6: Men's and Women's tourna- Abuja, Nigeria (Oct. 4-18). The Zone ment to be held in Zimbabwe (March 17- Five eliminations are set for Nairobi Egypt's National Women's team won the 23) in the presence of South Africa, gold medal in All Africa Games in Zim- (March 14-23) where Uganda, Tanza- Swaziland, Botswana and the organizer. nia, Ethiopia, Sudan and hosts Kenya babwe 1995, while Kenya won it in the ZONE 7: Men's and Women's tourna- last competition in South Africa 1999 will be fighting for the single slot avail- ment to be held in Seychelles (March 3-9), defeating Egypt in the final. able to these countries to compete in but so far only the host country is regis- the Games tournament. tered. EDWARD SEIDU AJAN AKO named Ghana’s Best Volleyball Player for 2003 KNSC's commitment to the new train- ing facility came just one day after Opportunities for two additional The Sportswriters Association of Kenya Volleyball Federation chairman African Teams to qualify for Junior Ghana (SWAG) has named Edward Worlds Charles Nyaberi appealed to the gov- Seidu Ajanako as the Best Volleyball ernment to facilitate the move from the Player in Ghana for 2002. The award CAVB has approved the organization of open air Nyayo Stadium. was announced on December 31, 2002 two additional competitions to deter- and will be formally presented to mine a second berth for Africa for the Ajanako in April or May. A 6-4 outside The gymnasium at the new facility will coming World Championships in the cat- hitter, Seidu Ajanako was adjudged the be a major boost to the team's prepara- egories Under-19 and Under-21. tion because it conforms to the FIVB Best African Spiker during the Africa Men's Club Championship in Abidjan, Standards. The additional tournament for the men's Ivory Coast, in March 2002. U-21 category will be organized by All-Africa Games Zone Qualifiers Tunisia 31 March to 7 April 2003 and the Seidu Ajanako's great performance in winner will join Egypt, which has already the Club Championship largely influ- qualified, for the World Championship enced his selection for the latest hon- The Zone Qualifiers for the All-Africa in this category to be hosted by Iran our. Seidu Ajanako is currently pursu- Games have started to determine the (August 23-30, 2003). eight finalists for the men's and women's ing a four-year course at the Park Uni- versity, Kansas City, U.S.A. where he is tournament in Nigeria in October 2003. The tournament to determine the addi- also a key member of the university's One qualifier each in men and women's tional candidate for the U-19 Worlds volleyball team. teams will come from the seven African (Thailand July 5-13) will be held in zones of CAVB. One men’s and one Morocco April 10-14. women’s team will qualify to the finals Due to other commitments, Seidu Ajanako will miss the Zone 3 Africa from each of the seven African zones of CAVB has also asked National Federa- Games Volleyball qualifications to be the CAVB with Nigeria automatically tions to bid to host a third competition to staged in Cotonou, Benin from Febru- qualifying as host country. Egypt's determine a second African team to send ary 17-23 but he is likely to join his col- women's team was the first to qualify to the Girls Under-18 World Champi- leagues for Games in Nigeria (October from Zone 5 after two recent matches onship to be held in Kenya (August 9-17). against Ethiopia in Cairo. 2003), if Ghana qualifies for the finals. This competition must be held before the Details of other Zone Qualifiers: end of May and the CAVB has defined ZONE 1: Men's and Women's tourna- February 25 as the closing date for appli- www.fivb.org/ ment to be held in Algeria, March 29-31. cations for potential host national federa- Morocco and Algeria are already regis- tions. The African Championship for Sign up for Xpress by sending an tered for this group. Girls U-18 was to be held in Mauritius but email to [email protected]

FIVB X-Press • Monthly information of the FIVB • Av. de la Gare 12 • CH-1001 Lausanne • Printed in Switzerland • FIVB founded in 1947 • President Dr. Rubén Acosta H. Tel. +41 21 345 35 35 • Fax +41 21 345 35 45 • WebSite: http://www.fivb.org/ • E-mail: [email protected] • Editor: Communication Dpt. • N° 111 2003

8 FIVB X-Press No 111 February 2003