No 112 March 2003 English edition

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE

New Height-Limited Competitions taking place in Brazil and Thailand

Height Limit competition already underway in Brazil

The Brazilian National Federation has proved to be a trail- blazer when it comes to staging height limit tournaments exclusively for players under a certain height. The first competition was already underway in 1998 in Minas Gerais, four years before the concept received the FIVB's official blessing as a new disci- pline at the 2002 World Congress in Argentina.

Alberto Mesquita Grandhi who coordi- nates the project for the National Federa- tion said it all came about over an infor- mal chat. "The idea started with an infor- mal chat among masters players in the America Football Club," Grandhi said. " We were talking about the tough time that shorter players have when they face taller teams." At 1.62 meters libero Cardullo Paola from would qualify Asia Height-Limited Competition world championships in this new cate- Grandhi was later convinced by a friend to be held in Thailand gory was welcomed by the Congress. A to work on a concept for a competition tentative date has been set for 2005. and this has now grown into a fully A height-limited competition for Asian fledged tournament, which this year has women players will be held in Thailand The new discipline is seen as a way of the participation of eight men's and six late June, 2003 in accordance with a deci- bringing top-level volleyball competi- women's teams, who contest 32 matches. sion at the Sports Organizing Commit- tions to skilled players of average height, Mr. Ary Graça, President of the Brazilian tee (SOC) of the Asian Volleyball Associ- many of whom are prevented from com- Volleyball Confederation, is understand- ation (AVC). peting at the world level now that the ably proud of the results. game tends to favor very tall players. Mr. Shanrit Wongpraset, Chairman of According to statistics, about 97% of the "This championship has been a big AVC SOC, discussed with SOC mem- six billion world population grow no success in Brazil and it has been bers and reached the decision to hold the taller than 1.85 meters for men and 1.75 attracting a lot of investments," Mr competition at the SOC meeting in Feb- meters for women. Graça said. "Besides that, it has ruary. He said that the tournament will be held from June 24-30, 2003 in the Thus the creation of a second category of been touching a lot of potential play- Southern city of Pattani, Thailand. All players provides a real chance for these ers that are not so tall". affiliated Federations of AVC will be people to compete at a high level, while at invited to participate in the event, which the same time, spreading the popularity will serve as a test for this exciting new of Volleyball globally. It is not surprising that such a competi- category. tion can awaken interest among a huge Continued on page 2...... untapped group of players as demo- FIVB at its 2002 World Congress in graphic studies indicate that 95 percent of Buenos Aires approved its Board of the world's population are under (for Administration's proposal to create a women) 1.75cm and (for men) 1.85cm. new category of players based on a www.fivb.org/ Fabiana Oliveira, 1,69m, libero of the height limit of 1.85 meters for the men Brazilian Women's National Team has and 1.75 meters for the women. An offer For full calendar details (and much more also praised the project. by Mrs. Rita Subowo, President of the volleyball news) go to www.fivb.org Continued on page 2...... Indonesia Volleyball Association, for her country to be a candidate for the first

Find out more at www.fivb.org VOLLEYBALL NEW HEIGHT-LIMITED COMPETITIONS 2003 Swatch-FIVB World Tour Calen- Continued from page 1...... dar, but as a gesture of solidarity to the Height Limit competition already Asia Height-Limited Competi players, the world governing body for underway in Brazil tion to be held in Thailand Beach Volleyball and Volleyball has decided to retain the originally allo- "This tournament will increase the num- Shorter players will never be denied the cated sum of Bonus Pool money, to be ber of volleyball players," she said, possibility to play at the highest level in distributed among the events. adding that it would also give players the the 'open' category, should they have the possibility to establish a strong playing skills to do so, but taller players would be career. exempted from the height-limited com- petitions. "Most of them give up the profession because the strong players are all so tall," the player commented. "All over the world shorter players only have the option of playing as liberos. Now I will also have the opportunity to attack", she concluded.

For Antônio Rizola, MRV/Minas coach, the height limit competition is an impor- tant issue. "All this is really worth pursu- ing when everything is well organized and has the development of volleyball as the main goal. This is a chance for ex- players to continue their career and for At 1.72 Argentina’s Hernan Ferraro shorter ones to continue to play a high would qualify level volleyball. This is one more tool that increases the sport's practice,' he said. FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta said the creation of the new discipline "is not a The FIVB 2002 World Congress in question of blocking access to top-level Argentina unanimously agreed to competition for the taller players. Rather Excellent athletic performances at last introduce a new discipline for height it is a question of covering 97% of the year's Junior World Championships limited players. Congress delegates world's population to top-level volley- greeted the motion with great enthusi- ball". The FIVB President also appealed Calendar updates include the following to Continental Confederations and changes: Pending Events: · asm . National Associations to try out this new competition. Stavanger, Norway, Open July 1-6 : BEACH VOLLEYBALL this men's and women's open event is being renegotiated with a new pro- FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships U-21, moter after the original promoter was presented by Swatch, awarded to declared bankrupt. South Africa: negotiations continue for The International Volleyball Federation annual Junior World Championships a women's open event, planned for has announced that the FIVB Beach the breeding ground for tomorrow's December 2003. Volleyball World Championships U-21, elite athletes and provides them with Other: Montreal, Canada, Open (dou- presented by Swatch, have been the perfect opportunity to pit them- ble gender) - organizers did not confirm awarded to France. The championship selves against their peers in top quality their participation for the 2003 calendar thus returns to its spiritual homeland, competition," said FIVB President, Dr. within the agreed regulation deadline. where the inaugural Junior World Rubén Acosta. Championship was held in August "We live in turbulent times, with many 2001. The competition will be open to 24 things on the geopolitical and economic teams of each gender (total of 48 teams), fronts," Angelo Squeo, FIVB Beach Vol- The event is to be staged in cooperation and comprise one day of qualification leyball Coordinator said. "However we with promoter Goëlo Côtes d'Armor at and four main draw days of competi- remain fully committed to staging the Saint Quay Portrieux, France at a venue tion. Negotiations are also very best possible calendar of events for the on Plage du Casino (August 6-10) & advanced for allocating the FIVB World Swatch-FIVB World Tour, to focusing will be presented by Swatch, the Championships U-18, with Thailand on quality events, worldwide exposure world's leading watch and timing spe- being the leading contender and the and on providing the best opportunities cialists who are now the official title most outstanding candidate for this for our professional athletes. sponsor of the Swatch-FIVB World event. Tour. Swatch-FIVB World Tour Calendar Junior World Championships offer Update www.fivb.org/ great competition Due to the current geopolitical and eco- "We are particularly happy to announce nomic world crisis, the FIVB has been For full calendar details (and much more this important event, as we consider our forced to make some adjustments to the volleyball news) go to www.fivb.org

2 FIVB X-Press No 112 March 2003 FIVB

VOLLEYBALL ’s Pascual returns to the World League after a year’s WORLD LEAGUE - FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH absence

Rafael Pascual The $15 Million World the First National Olympiad. Three of (Pascual), who League continues to blaze them - middle-blocker Darien Ferrer and returns to World a trail as the richest and wing-spikers Osmani Juantorena and League after a most significant annual Charles Vinent - crack the lofty 2-meter year's absence, is international men's Vol- mark & they are between 17-19 years old. the most out- leyball tournament. It pits standing new the top 16 teams in the world against each The Cuban team has scheduled a series of addition to the other during six gripping weeks of the warm-up contests between April and 18-man squad Intercontinental Rounds, in 2003 culmi- May against and . Pic: named by Spain's nating in the final tournament of the Lofty and youthful Yosleider Cala national coach "Elite Eight" in the Spanish capital (2.02cm and 18 years) poised for action. Francisco Hervás to prepare for the 2003 Madrid. Marko Klok back in Dutch World League. Some 561,441 spectators were drawn to National Team The team, which has been trained by the 2002 World League, which also Hervás since its World League debut in attracted a record-breaking almost 900 National coach Bert 1995 features a range of internationally hours of television coverage as the tour- Goodkoop has respected players, who must now nament continues to engrave its name in called veteran address a certain deficit: until now they the essential international sports calen- Marko Klok back have never been on the podium of an dar. This year, the 14th edition of this into the Dutch international competition. With their important event will be the perfect cur- national squad to home supporters behind them it may be tain raiser for the FIVB World Cups in contest the 2003 Spain's chance to correct that deficit in Japan (November 2003) where the top World League to 2003. Pic Pascual spiking against Russ- three teams qualify directly for the resolve his problems ian block at 2002 World Championship. Athens 2004 Olympic Games. with the ever-impor- tant libero role. Calendar for 2003 World League A veteran of some 203 national appear- 's coach chooses 2003 World League squad Sixteen teams in four pools will play off ances and a member of the Dutch silver the Intercontinental Round matches, medallist team from the 1992 Barcelona Germany's with Pools A, B, and C commencing on Olympics, Klok's return will add stability national coach the weekend of May 23-25, with Pool D to the Dutch lineup. Five of the starting Stelian starting one week earlier (May 16-18). six of last year return in this year's lineup Moculescu has Following the success of the 2002 edition, for the World League. Pic: Dutch Cap- named his 18- tain Reinder Nummerdor in action. which concluded for the final round in man squad for Brazil in August, and drawing on ele- the 2003 World Greece stocks up on new talent League season, ments of promotion and entertainment ahead of the olympics refreshing his also used successfully at the just con- side with some cluded 2002 Men's World Championship The Hellenic National new talent and in Argentina, the Council ruled that sta- Men's Volleyball with one eye on dium entertainment, venue decoration team will go to the the coming European Championship and the use of animated mascots would 2003 World League (September 5-14), also hosted by Ger- now become a requirement for the World with the same 12 key many, according to a report from the League. players who repre- German Volleyball Federation head- quarters in Frankfurt. VOLLEYBALL sented their country at the 2002 World TEAMS PREPARE FOR Championship in The German team this season meets the THE WORLD LEAGUE Argentina, but the 18- challenge of top teams like Brazil, Italy man lineup already and Portugal in their group. Brazil is the current World Champion and Italy, the Young Cuban squad get ready for announced has been refreshed with a the World League 2003 team with the most World League titles brace of young talented players from the to their name. Portugal, recognized as junior national team. The Cuban National one of the finest young teams is emerg- Team will enter the four- ing to challenge the established order. The Greek team is making its seventh Pic: Germany's Marco Liefke goes for the teenth edition of the appearance in the World League and aim World League for the big hit against Cuba in the 2002 Edition at making good impression, something second straight year of the World League. with a very young squad that should be easy for them as they were and modest hopes for already impressing observers at top 2002 www.fivb.org/ the coming tournament. competitions.They also want to do the Twelve players from last best for their loyal fans in the pre- Download X-Press electronically year's edition are back with the Cuban Olympic season. Pic: Vasileous Kourne- from our website at: www. fivb.org/ jersey, with five members chosen from tas going up for Greece in World League action.

FIVB X-PressFIVB X-PressNo 112NMarcho 103 May2003 2002 3 DEVELOPMENT BEACH VOLLEYBALL BUSY MONTH FOR DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN CHENNAI HANDICAPPED BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Every weekend the FMV-Federacao Mocambicana de Voleibol organizes Beach Volleyball competitions on eight courts on Miramar Beach in Maputo (capital of Mozambique).

In their efforts to make Beach Volley- ball available to everyone, the FMV col- laborates with the National Associa- tion of Handicapped People, and dedi- cates one of their courts to children and adults with disabilities.

The FMV puts up a 1.20m net on a reduced court (9x6m), and players play normally in a seated position. Many of them have leg disabilities (mostly caused by landmines during the civil war).

The game is 2x2, with mixed teams (1 Chennai Development Center, India set 15 points). The players are mostly students and workers and the referees are trained by FMV. India's FIVB Development Center FIVB Executive Vice President was (Chennai) had a hectic month in Febru- attending an FIVB Executive Committee ary hosting a Volleyball Information Sys- meeting in Switzerland. He did however tem (VIS) Course as well as a tournament manage to reach Chennai in time to between two teams of the Volleyball Fed- attend the valedictory celebration and eration of India (India Youth 'A' and 'B'), distribute the certificates. the Chennai-based, Sports Hostel of Excellence, and a team from Sri Lanka. In other Volleyball action in India, the Bangladesh and Myanmar were invited South Indian State of Kerala hosted the to the tournament but unfortunately Federation Cup tournament for the top were not able to attend. The tournament eight men's teams and the top six gave the young teams good competition women's teams. The Indian Railways practice ahead of the Asian Youth cham- teams won both the men's and women's pionship (in Visakhapatnam, eastern titles, beating hosts Kerala in the two Hanicapped players enjoying a game of India, April). finals in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Beach Volleyball in Mozambique 15,000. G.E. Sridharan, a former professional, The FMV is trying to raise funds and who played in Italy and participated in The FIVB would like to congratulate the find sponsors to implement Volleyball more than 200 international matches, Volleyball Federation of India, and the at national level, with national champi- coached the Indian Youth teams, which Indian Regional Development center for onships for people with disabilities. took the top two places, outclassing Sri Volleyball for their two excellent This year, they plan to have 3 national Lanka and Sports Hostel. Sri Lanka came newsletters. championships: one in the north, one in third and Sports Hostel fourth. the center and one in the south of the country. The tournament also helped 23 Indian DEVELOPMENT CENTERS candidates to master the VIS system, a Despite existing problems, the players unique data program created by FIVB IT A key role of the FIVB Development show great enthusiasm, and dream of specialists in Lausanne. Under the super- Department is the establishment of one day taking part in the Paralympics. vision of course director Tomasz strategically placed Development Kuropka of , they were able to use Centres. Development Centres inten- sify international cooperation in Vol- Beach Volleyball has now gained pop- it in a real competition environment. The ularity in Mozambique and can be con- VIS "graduates" will now be sought after leyball and Beach Volleyball, improve the professional level and performance sidered one of the most popular sports to lend a hand at the Asian Youth Cham- in the country. pionship. of these two disciplines, as well as the technical and administrative struc- tures of Volleyball Associations in the www.fivb.org/ While the course was being conducted surrounding countries. For more infor- under the supervision of Development mation visit our website at For full details, go to: Centre Director, Mr. A. Ramana Rao, Mr. www.fivb.org. EN/Programmes/index.htm B. Sivanthi Adityan, VFI President and ... 4 FIVB X-Press No 112 March 2003 VOLLEYBALL CONFEDERATION NEWS EXCLUSIVE MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2004 CSV NEWS

Claudio Coello will coach Argentina for the World League VOLLEYBALLS SHOES AND UNIFORMS Claudio Cuello, former Women's MIKASA OLYMPIKUS National Team coach, will coach MVP200 (color) shoes & uniforms Exclusivity for : Argentina for the 2003 FIVB World Exclusive Game Ball for: Instructors, International Referees, League. Cuello replaces Carlos Getzele- all FIVB Competitions incl. OG 2004 Line Judges & Scorers vich, who coached the team during the all FIVB Competitions incl. OG 2004 2002 World Championships. MIKASA Seminars & Courses MVL200 color The new coach will have a big challenge VL200 (MGV5) (white) ADIDAS in the World League, the Panamerican shoes & uniforms Games in Santo Domingo, the South MOLTEN American Championship in Santiago de IV58L (MTV5) (white) ASICS Chile and the World Cup in Japan. IV58LC (MTV5IT) (color) shoes & uniforms IVXC (MTV5SLIT) (color, synthetic For the 2003 World League, Cuello will leather) CHAMPION have to work with a team that will suffer uniforms the absence of legendaries Hugo Conte GALA and Javier Weber, leaders during the BV 5091L (color) DACAPO 2002 WCH and now retired from the BV 5091S (color, synthetic leather) uniforms national team.

MONDO FNC KOLON In this new era, Cuello will work with Volleyball VBL-5 uniforms profesor Fernando Danani in the physical (white) preparation of the team. Cuello will start MIKASA the trainings for the World League on QINGDAO-SYNSHEEN uniforms April 1st. "Star" VB 205-34 (color) Grossi to take over Argentina’s MIZUNO Women’s National Team WILSON shoes & uniforms "Reaction" (white, leather) Alejandro Grossi has been appointed as NIKE, INC. the new coach of Argentina's Women's shoes & uniforms INSPECTED BALLS National Team to replace Claudio Cuello, who now assumes control of the Men's SPEEDO National Team, a position held until now (Formerly Recommended Balls) Uniforms for International Referees, by Carlos Getzelevich. Line Judges, Scorers, Officials & Players for BEACH WORLD TOUR and Grossi worked for six years as Cuello's MONDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Mondo Volley VS-T5 K-Concept assistant with the Women's team, and in Mondo Mini Volley SYNTHETIC FLOORS his country, he is also champion of the Metropolitan Volleyball League with the club Gimnasia y Esgrima. BEACH VOLLEYBALLS (FIVB APPROVED) Born in Buenos Aires on July 12, 1961, MONDO Grossi played in the Argentine club com- exclusive for all : petition until 1988 when he moved to the MIKASA FIVB competitions incl. OG 2004 Italian League until 1993, when he VLS 200 (color) Beach Mondoflex Blue Laguna H23 + Rose returned to Argentina to rake up a coach- Flamingo H41 ing role with the women's club GEBA. MOLTEN Two years later he joined forces with VBOS (HSBV5) (color) Beach TARAFLEX Cuello to work with the women national Taraflex sport M 6431 Teal-6146 Coral side. He has a distinguished coaching Taraflex sport 3D (same colors) record and has reaped a string of honors. HOMOLOGATED POSTS, PADS He also worked with Cuello in Germany ANTENNAE, NETS, SYNTHETIC FLOORS in 2002 when Argentina took part in the REF.CHAIRS women's World Championship. (RECOMMENDED) SENOH Posts, pads, nets with antennae & MONDO www.fivb.org/ referees' chairs exclusive for all : Mondosport HP-E Send us your news and pictures for our FIVB competitions, incl. OG 2004 PVC indoor floor Blue Laguna H23 + Rose Flamingo H41 next X-Press to: [email protected]

FIVBFIVB X-Press X-PressNoN1o11032 March May 20022003 5 CONFEDERATION NEWS Women's Indesit European Champi- FIVB PRESIDENT DR. RUBÉN ACOSTA ons' League CONGRATULATES CEV RC CANNES of France won the Women's Indesit European Champi- FIVB President Dr. Rubén decorated Dutch player Bas van de ons' League title for the second time in Acosta, in a message to Goor who was, due to health problems, a row defeating Uralochka EKATER- the European Volleyball unable to play for more than a year. It INBURG of (3-1) in Pila, Federation (Confedera- was also a fine send off for coach Toon Poland. Foppapedretti BERGAMO of tion Europeene de Volley- Gerbrands, retiring as a volleyball Italy claimed the third spot after a vic- ball - CEV ) has offered his coach shortly, adding another title to tory over Italian Volley MODENA congratulations to them on the occasion his list of coaching honors. 'This is the (3-1). of the celebration of their 30th Anniver- crown on my coaching career,' Ger- sary. The confederation marked this brands said of the victory. The top four European men's clubs - milestone in their history with a special MODENA (ITA), Mostostal Azoty RC VILLEBON 91 of France was the KEDZIERZYN (POL), Lokomotiv celebration in Milan, Italy on the occasion winner of the 2002-2003 edition of the of the Final Four Men's Indesit European BELGOROD (RUS) and Women’s Top Teams Cup after win- (FRA) are still to contest the final of the Championship League March 22-23 in ning the final against Swiss Zeiler the Italian city. Men's Indesit European Champions' KONIZ in Bern, Switzerland. The League Final Four to conclude the French team took a 3-0 victory in front 2002-2003 Competition "European Volleyball has always been at of almost 3,500 volleyball fans. the forefront of your sport, with no less season. The playoff will be in Milan, Italy, where the European Volleyball than eight countries from the continent Confederation (CEV) will also cele- being onboard from our founding year of brate its 30th Anniversary. 1947. It is then certainly appropriate, 30 years after the foundation of the CEV, to See April’s edition of X-Press for the congratulate you on evolving, with your results. 54 affiliated national federations, into one of the largest of the continental confeder- Another great website for ations," president Acosta said in a mes- Germany! sage to the CEV. Germany, hosts He noted that Volleyball in is RC Villebon of France winning the Top Teams Cup for women in Bern, Switzerland of the Men's presently enjoying great and growing European Cham- popularity in both Volleyball and Beach pionship have Volleyball and said he expected Euro- Men's CEV Cup produced yet pean teams, who certainly number In other European action in Jesolo, another excellent among the world's elite, would con- Italy, Italian club Sisley TREVISO bilingual (Ger- tribute to a high level of competition at added another European Cup victory man-English) the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. to its record by winning the Men's CEV website, follow- Cup after a straight sets victory over Logo of the German ing on from their "On this, the 30th anniversary of the CEV, Lube MACERATA, the team that won website you can be justifiably proud of your last year's Indesit European Champi- award-winning sporting and organizational achieve- ons' League. Russian Iskra website for the 2002 Women's World ments, and of the fact that through your ODINTSOVO took the bronze medal Championship. Packed with interesting efforts, Volleyball brings joy to millions after defeating French TOURCOING information, competitions and interac- of people on your continent. And just as Lille Metropole. tive features, www.volleyball2003.de the map and political face of Europe has will certainly be an excellent way for fans altered so dramatically over the past 30 and prospective rivals to keep on top of years, you can be proud that you have this important competition. risen to the challenge of responding to CEV Calendar similar changes and developments in our The second qualifying tournament (the sport," Dr. Acosta said. Enjoy & Be There:! first was played in 2002) will be in May 9- 22-23 March 2003: Final Four Men’s 11, with the main competition and finals Indesit European Champions’ League, Big month for European Club to be played in September to decide on Milan, Italy. competitions direct tickets to this year's premiere FIVB Dutch club Piet Zoomers APEL- 12-17 April 2003: Boys Youth European international competition, the World DOORN rewrote the statistics on Championship, Zagreb, Croatia. Cups in Japan (November 2003). March 16, claiming the Top Teams Cup by defeating Lokomotiv KHARKIV of 23-28 April 2003: Girls Youth European Keep up to date with what is happening 3-1in Apeldoorn, The Nether- Championship, Zagreb, Croatia. in the European competition by regu- lands. It was the first time since 1982 larly checking out the website. that a club team from The 5-14 September 2003: Men’s European won a European Cup Competition. Championship, Leipzig, Karlsruhe, www.fivb.org/ Omniworld ALMERE of The Nether- Berlin, Germany. lands claimed the third position in the Men's Top Teams Cup after a victory 20-28 September 2003: Women’s Euro- Sign up for Xpress by sending over Azoty CHERKASY of Ukraine. an email to [email protected] The win by the Dutch club was very pean Championship, , Antalya, special for former national, and highly . 6 FIVB X-Press No 112 March 2003 Confederation News

CONFEDERATION NEWS CONFEDERATION NEWS CAVB: RWANDA MEN AND CAMEROON WOMEN'S AVP Pro Beach Volleyball TEAMS ADVANCE TO ALL- AFRICA GAMES Tour - USA Volleyball Pact

The Cameroon women First ever competition for tiny and the Rwanda men's island nation São Tomé and The AVP Pro national teams have Príncipe Beach Volleyball both qualified for the Tour and USA All Africa Games 2003 The tiny African island Volleyball in Abuja Nigeria at a nation of São Tomé announced a recent tournament hosted and Príncipe, who new working arrangement meant to fur- by Rwanda. The tournament became an FIVB ther increase the popularity of the out- produced some very interesting matches, National Federation in door game, it has been announced from characterized by an immense will to win 1984 have just competed in their first- Manhatten Beach, California. and a great demonstration of fair play. ever African tournament. The two organizations have formed a In the women's tournament, Cameroon Their participation in this important con- working committee with four represen- scored resounding 3-0 victories over both tinental competition is a great step for- tatives each and will meet by conference the Democratic Republic of the Congo ward and is in line with the FIVB's policy call every two weeks. and the host team Rwanda. In the men's that national federations, also from smaller countries, should strive to be event, Rwanda vaulted to first place in Bruce Binkow, Andy Reif, Jeffrey R. involved in all levels of competitions. their four nations event with a clean David, and Al Lau represent AVP while sweep of their matches, while Democra- Rebecca Howard, Chief Executive Offi- tic Republic of Congo finished second, The tiny volcanic island of São Tomé lies Chad third and the tiny island nation of in the Gulf of Guinea about 150 miles (240 cer for USA Volleyball and FIVB Execu- São Tomé was fourth. km) off West Africa, straddling the equa- tive Committee Executive Vice President, tor. Discovered and claimed by Portugal Kerry Klostermann, John Kessel and The event was honored by the attendance in the late 15th century, São Tomé cur- Margie Mara are there for USA Volley- of the Rwandan Minister of Sport, Mr. rently has a population of 175,000. ball. Robert Bayigamba, the former president of Rwanda Volleyball Federation, who "USA Volleyball and the AVP have was present at the closing ceremony of entered into a working agreement that this, the Zone Four Qualifier. we feel is going to be a win-win for both organizations and for the sport of beach Despite existing political problems volleyball," Mrs. Howard said. "It is not between the Democratic Republic of news that USA Volleyball has not been Congo and Rwanda, players of both very successful in promoting this well teams gave a remarkable display of loved discipline of our sport, and we feel friendship and sportsmanship during the lucky that the AVP has offered a connec- competition that did not go unnoticed by tion to their already established pro- the Minister of Sports. Speaking at the gram." closing ceremony he thanked the players for their exemplary behavior and noted Through the arrangement, USA Volley- that sport has the ability to bring people ball recognizes (in an official capacity) together. Map of Sao Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea that the AVP is the nationwide leader in beach volleyball. The AVP's develop- mental programs are to be supported by USA Volleyball and its member regions. BEACH VOLLEYBALL GAINING IN POPULARITY IN EGYPT The efforts also ease and streamline the process for American athletes to compete in international events including the Beach Volleyball has been introduced with Olympics. great success to Red Sea resort cities, where in Charm El-Sheik, teams representing local AVP Commissioner Leonard Armato resorts - and some combining men and said that USA Volleyball, with its 39 women players - recently staged a six-a-side regional associations and nearly 140,000 tournamentn. The competition attracted members forms a tremendous base of great attention among tourists and visitors volleyball enthusiasts and in many cases, to the resorts, underlining growing popular- offers players the first outlet to the game. ity for Beach Volleyball in Egypt. . (Note: FIVB official Beach Volleyball competitions "The momentum associated with the Tourists enjoying the benifits of Beach are played with two teams of two players). AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is only Volleyball furthered by the cooperative agreement with USAV Volleyball," Armato said. Egyptian Federation plans new Beach Volleyball League "This relationship is another step in Following on from the success of last year, the Egyptian Federation s Aplanning building a productive outreach to all vol- another Beach Volleyball League with competitions in four different cities. leyball factions continuing to unify the sport."

FIVB X-Press No 112 March 2003 7 Confederation News

CONFEDERATION NEWS Results of Drawing of Lots for AVC NEWS AVC 2003 Competitions

The drawing of lots for AVC 2003 compe- Initiatives from AVC's Sports at this stage, only be conducted for titions took place on the occasion of the Organizing Committee Asian Senior Men's and Women's AVC Technical Committee Meetings Championships. held on February 18-19 in Shanghai AVC President Wei China, with the following results: Jizhong, speaking at a The decision to conduct doping tests is meeting in February in line with the call by FIVB President 4th Asian Boys' Under-19 Champi- of the AVC's Sports Dr. Rubén Acosta at the FIVB Congress onship (Participation 10 teams) Organizing Committee (SOC) in (Argentina 2002) for the active partici- Pool A: India, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Shanghai, China, made a strong appeal Qatar, Thailand; Pool B: Iran, Korea, pation and full cooperation of the con- for the committee to come up with China, DPR Korea, Australia. In Visakha- ways to more closely cooperate with tinental confederations in the fight patnam, India from April 6-13. Top three FIVB, particularly concerning staging against doping. teams will qualify for U-19 Boys 'World major events. Championship in Thailand from July 5- The meeting also strongly encouraged 13 "We must focus on the problem-solv- NFs in Asia to be more active in hosting ing of SOC in connection with AVC and participating in AVC and FIVB 4th Asian Girls' Under-18 Champi- and FIVB events rather than a general events, and to work towards bringing onship (Participation 10 teams) aspect of the volleyball activities in as many as these events as possible to Pool A: Thailand, Korea, DPR Korea, Kazakhstan, Philippines; Pool B: China, Asia," President Wei Jizhong said in his the region covered by the Asian Con- Japan, Chinese Taipei, India and Aus- speech. Mr. Wei stressed that SOC federation. tralia. In Sisaket, Thailand from April 20- should come up with productive and 27. Top three qualify for U-18 Girls' positive thoughts, among other mat- World Championship from August 3-17 ters, regarding the role of AVC towards Tianjin wins Chinese Women's in Kenya. FIVB activities, particularly the pro- League Championship posed new height limit competition Qualification Tournament for Men's category. This season's women's League in China Under-21 World Championship has concluded with a victory for Tianjin, Participation seven teams - Korea, Japan, After serious debate the meeting who scored a tight 3-2 victory over the Chinese Taipei, Australia, China, Thai- decided to submit a series of sugges- Army team in the final played at the end land and Qatar. Competition format Sin- tions to the AVC Board of Administra- of January to wrap up a season of 90 spir- gle Round Robin, in Taicang, China, May tion meeting, which is scheduled in ited matches. 15-21. Top two qualify for World U-21 April in Bangkok, Thailand, for consid- Championship from August 23-30 in eration. Among the recommendations Iran. are: The league season had a great success in Qualification Tournament for Women's attracting large numbers of spectators, · To modify the structure of SOC in Under-20 World Championship conjunction with the Sports Events including full houses in some of the big- Participation six teams - Korea, Japan, Council of the FIVB. ger cities like Beijing and Tianjin. Chinese Taipei, Australia, Kazakhstan and Thailand. Competition format Single · To change the current title name There has also been an increase in the Round Robin in Sisaket, Thailand, May 1- "AVC Cup Club Tournament" to amount of live television coverage and a 6. Top two qualify for World U-20 "Asian Men/Women Club Champi- three percent improvement in the rat- Women's Championship scheduled from onship" because of the planned FIVB ings. Team standings (places 3-12): 3, September 6-14 (TBA) World Cup Championship, and to limit Liaoning; 4, Nanjing Army; 5, Zhejiang; 5th AVC Cup Men's Club Volleyball entry to the competition to eight teams. 6, Beijing; 7, Sichuan; 8, Fujian; 9, Jiangsu; 10, Shanghai; 11, Henan and 12, Hebei. Tournament According to the regulations, Henan and Participation eight teams: Pool A: · Five AVC Zonal Vice Presidents to Indonesia, Qatar, Japan, China be included in SOC Committee in order Hebei are now relegated to the B Division for next season. Pool B: Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Thai- to improve the role and functions of land. The tournament is to be held from SOC, to obtain variety of candidates for May 20-25 in Jakarta, Indonesia. AVC and FIVB events, and to control National Team the national and international competi- National coach Chen Zhonghe named his 5th AVC Cup Women's Club Volleyball tion calendar in relation to the FIVB squad for the season, retaining most of Tournament internal competition schedule. his mainstay players and saying that the Participation seven teams: Pool A: Kaza- team's goal for the year was to make the khstan, China, Chinese Taipei · To conduct doping tests at AVC com- top three at the World Cup (Japan, Pool B: Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan petitions, but because of cost consider- November 1-15) and thus gain automatic (team two), Korea. The tournament is to ations, the SOC proposes to AVC Board qualification for the Athens 2004 be held from June 1-6 in Almaty, Kaza- of Administration that testing should, Olympic Games. khstan.

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° 112 2003

8 FIVB X-Press No 112 March 2003