No 132 February 2005 English edition

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE VOLLEYBALL

Significant breakthrough at FIVB 2006 MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP The Philippines promise headquarters - New Volleyball Federation World Championship of Bosnia & Herzegovina under way spectacle The FIVB’s long and patient from Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Philippines and international Volleyball Republic of Srpska will make a success fans are in for a real treat with the efforts are about to bear of their first General Assembly and give prospect of world-class Volleyball action fruit as new impetus will life to a National Federation which will when the Pool Asia C 2006 World Cham- soon be given to sport in a do us proud. To bring together, within pionships men’s first round tournament highly sensitive region: on a single entity, the Bosnian and Serbian kicks off in Cebu on March 2nd, accord- Volleyball communities, in a region hav- ing to FIVB Development Commission Wednesday 23 February ing endured so much suffering, is a member Ramon Suzara. 2005, the governing challenge which the FIVB has taken up. I Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, Tonga, Macau bodies of Volleyball in am delighted at the prospect that we are and the Philippines will be playing off Bosnia & Herzegovina and about to succeed!” for two spots in the Asian Pool C tour- The General Manager of the FIVB, Mr. nament, which will see them progress the Republic of Srpska Jean-Pierre Seppey, underscored the through to the second round. signed their final draft efforts made by the Bosnian and Serbian “What you see on TV, in ESPN, Star Sports Constitution in Lausanne. partners, Messrs. Hasan Uscuplic and and Solar TV, you can see live at the Fikret Music (Bosnia & Herzegovina), University of San Carlos Gym in Cebu,” As a result, the new Volleyball Federation together with Djorde Likic and Vid Suzara said. of Bosnia & Herzegovina will come into Blagojevic (Republic of Srpska), which The winner of the tournament will being at the Constituent General Assem- produced this first conclusive result, i.e. advance to the second round ASI-D to be bly to be held on 9 April in Sarajevo. On the signature of a constituent act com- held in Kazakhstan from 17-19 June 2005 that date, the FIVB plans to invite all the plying with the Constitution and ideals where they will meet hosts Kazakhstan, country’s active clubs to approve this of the FIVB, and in accordance with its Korea and the second place team of first Constitution, which will bring about the Code of Conduct and Regulations. round ASI-A. new Volleyball Federation of Bosnia & “You have shown courage but more will The second place team will head to India Herzegovina. be needed to launch your future National a week later for the second round ASI-E The new Constitution will ensure that Federation. Courage is a vital ingredient with the hosts India, China, and the first all active clubs located on the territory of in showing the way to all your country’s place team of the first round ASI-B in Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Republic clubs, and the only way is forward!” said Thailand from 29 April - 1 May 2005. of Srpska will be represented within the Mr. Helgi Thorsteinsson, coordinator Locals, including Cebu Sports Hall of Volleyball Federation of Bosnia & Herze- of the FIVB Technical & Development Famers, Grace Antigua, Eugene de la govina, whose headquarters are likely Department. Cerna, and Marilou and Marichu Jao, to be set up in the Sarajevo area. This For his part, Mr. Jean-Pierre Seppey believe the home side has a good chance significant structural move is directly in thanked Mr. Philip Berben, member of of advancing despite the likes of Indo- line with the Dayton Agreements - which the FIVB Board of Administration and nesia and Chinese Taipei being ranked made it possible to divide the former Legal Commission. Mr. Berben, who higher internationally. Yugoslavia into six distinct nations. led the discussions on Wednesday in “Indonesia has slowly established itself “This is a decisive and historic break- Lausanne, has worked tirelessly on the as a Volleyball power in Southeast Asia through, commented Dr. Rubén Acosta, Constitution of the future Volleyball Fed- but our players are also very good,” de the FIVB President. I trust that our friends eration of Bosnia & Herzegovina. la Cerna said.

VOLLEYBALL 2006 Men’s World Championship Results of the First Round Group A in Khartoum, Sudan

Date Teams Set Result per set (points) Total Time Audience Points 1 2 3 4 5 01-Feb UGA-GHA 0-3 20-25 23-25 20-25 63-75 1:10 1’500 01-Feb SUD-ERT 3-0 25-11 25-13 25-13 75-37 0:52 3’200 02-Feb GHA-ERT 3-0 25-22 25-17 25-12 75-51 1:00 2’000 02-Feb SUD-UGA 3-1 25-21 20-25 25-23 27-25 97-94 1:39 2’000

03-Feb UGA-ERT 3-0 25-12 25-13 25-22 75-47 1:05 900 Sudan team secured a second round 03-Feb SUD-GHA 3-2 18-25 26-24 21-25 25-19 15-10 105-103 1:43 3’000 ticket in the 2006 World Championship

Find out more at www.fivb.org Volleyball

2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Spain, England and Sudan AVC Men’s second round in Cebu City, Philippines overcome first WCH hurdle Host team will do the best to capture the leg

One month into Volleyball’s Cebu City, some 300 kilometers south pei, Macau and Indonesia to advance in premier sporting event three of the capital city Manila, will see the the second round. countries – Spain, England Philippines battle it out in a round robin and Sudan – have realised a format with Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, The FIVB development commission dream by progressing into Macao and Tonga with the top two teams officer, Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the for- the second round of the going on to the second round. mation of the RP men’s squad revolved 2006 FIVB World Volleyball around skill, speed and height to match Championships. Philippine Volleyball Federation presi- the strength of Indonesia, which defeated dent Roger Banzuela says his men’s team the Philippines, 3-1, during the 2003 Viet- In the first tournament of the Champi- is aiming to beat Indonesia and Chinese nam SEA Games. onships, a mixed gender event held in Taipei in order to progress through to the Sheffield, England in January, the host’s second round of the 2006 World Cham- “As host country, we have the crowd men’s team beat Scotland and Northern pionships when Cebu City hosts a first advantage but we should also field a Ireland while the Spanish women’s team round tournament - Asia Pool C - from strong team,” said Suzara, who described overcame England, Scotland, Serbia & March 2-6. the RP team as the tallest squad ever Montenegro and Albania. formed with an average height of 6 feet. “Our team has been training for the com- Meanwhile, the Sudan men’s team was ing event and we will do our best to cap- The Philippine Volleyball Federation, the latest side to move into the second ture the Philippine leg,” Banzuela said. which is headed by Roger Banzuela, has round last week after beating Ghana in “We are setting our eyes on the Indone- tapped the services of Sergio Isada Jr. a five set thriller (18-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25- sian team and the team from Chinese Tai- and Ernesto Pamilar to coach the team 19, 15-10) having earlier beaten Uganda pei because they are the teams to beat.” that will also play in the Southeast Asian and Eritrea in the Sudanese capital of Games in December. Khartoum. Chinese Taipei is ranked 39th on the FIVB rankings while Indonesia, the defending Isada is head coach of the University of Sudan will now head to Cairo in late South East Asian Games champion, is the Philippines men’s and women’s Vol- March to join Egypt, Cameroon and the ranked 41st. The Philippines, Tonga and leyball teams in the UAAP while Pamilar Democratic Republic of Congo in round Macau do not have an FIVB ranking. handles Letran’s men and women teams two to try and keep their World Champi- in the NCAA. onship dream alive. The winner of the tournament will advance to a second round fixture held Making up the RP Team are Roger England meanwhile will play the Czech from June 17-19 where they will meet Ngo, a six-foot-seven player from De Republic, Ukraine and Denmark in the Korea, hosts Kazakhstan and another La Salle-Dasmarinas, Oliver Balse, Jer- second round in May, while Spain will first round in Asia. The second placed rico Hubalde, Herminio Gallo Jr, Janley play Azerbaijan, Romania and another team will head to India a week later for a Patrona, Edcer Penetrante, Roger Ngo, first round winner. second round tournament with the hosts, Dante Alinsunurin, Cesael de los Santos, China and another first round Asian Avelino Tongco, Gino Macailan, Jeffrey A record 174 teams (97 men’s and 77 qualifier. John San Jose, Beniamor Lingat, Ariel women’s) are participating in the 2006 de la Cruz, Willy de la Cruz and Aristeo FIVB World Championships 2006, which The 2006 World Championships has Billena. incorporates three rounds of continen- already seen three first round tourna- tal action and playoffs before climaxing ments take place in England and Sudan The top two teams will advance into the with a grand finale of the best 24 teams in with the England men’s team, the Span- second round while the finals will be each gender. ish women’s team and the Sudan men’s held in Japan next year. team all progressing through to the sec- As hosts, the Japan men’s and women’s ond round. teams have already qualified for the final www.fivb.org/ 24 along with the defending 2002 world The Filipinos are excited to see topnotch For more news and updates visit champions; the Brazilian men’s and the action from their countrymen who will our website at: www.fivb.org Italian women’s teams. do their best against Tonga, Chinese-Tai-

List of 2006 World Championships events in March and April 2005 Gender Round Confed. Pool Starting on: Ending on: City Country Participants Women 1 CAVB A 15.03.2005 20.03.2005 Cairo Egypt Egypt, Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa Men 2 CAVB D 22.03.2005 27.03.2005 Cairo Egypt Egypt, Cameroon, Dem. Rep. of Congo, Sudan (1st A) Men 1 CAVB B 08.04.2005 10.04.2005 Durban South Africa South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius Women 1 NORCECA A 15.04.2005 17.04.2005 Curaçao Dutch Antilles Dutch Antilles, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands Women 1 CAVB C 22.04.2005 24.04.2005 Vacoas Mauritius Mauritius, Tunisia, Cameroon, Uganda Women 1 CEV C 27.04.2005 01.05.2005 Saint-Dié France France, Finland, Norway, Bosnia Herzegovina, Belgium Men 1 AVC B 29.04.2005 01.05.2005 Nakhonpathom Thailand Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan Men 1 CEV D 29.04.2005 01.05.2005 Tallinn Estonia Estonia, Israel, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania

2 FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 Beach Volleyball

BEACH VOLLEYBALL Tentative Calendar 2008 WORLD TOUR WOMEN’S CALENDAR Tentative Calendar 2006-2008 World Tour DATES COUNTRY EVENT April 15 - 20 USA Open Tentative Calendar 2006 WORLD TOUR Tentative Calendar 2007 WORLD TOUR May 13 - 18 China Open WOMEN’S CALENDAR WOMEN’S CALENDAR May 21 - 25 Japan Open DATES COUNTRY EVENT DATES COUNTRY EVENT June 04 - 08 Italy Open April 18 - 23 USA Open April 17 - 22 USA Open June 10 - 15 Russia Open May 16 - 21 China Open May 15 - 20 China Open June 17-22 Switzerland Open May 24 - 28 Japan Open May 23 - 27 Japan Open June 24 - 29 Germany Grand Slam June 07 - 11 Italy Open June 06 - 10 Italy Open July 01 - 06 Norway Open June 20-25 Switzerland Open June 19-24 Switzerland Open July 08 - 13 Canada Open June 27 - July 02 Russia Open June 26 - July 01 Germany Grand Slam July 04 - 09 Norway Open July 03 - 08 Norway Open July 15 - 20 Portugal Open July 11 - 16 Portugal Open July 10 - 15 Canada Open July 22 - 27 France, Paris Grand Slam July 18 - 23 Canada Open July 17 - 22 Portugal Open July 29 - August 03 Austria Grand Slam July 25 - 30 France, Paris Grand Slam July 24 - 29 France, Paris Grand Slam August 08 - 24 China, Beijing Olympic Games August 01 - 06 Austria Grand Slam July 31 - August 05 Austria Grand Slam September 02 - 07 Greece Open August 15 - 20 Germany Grand Slam August 14 - 19 Russia Open September 10 - 14 Indonesia Open August 29 - Sept. 03 Greece Open August 28 - Sept. 02 Greece Open October 14 - 19 Brazil Open September 12 - 17 Indonesia Open September 12 - 16 Indonesia Open October 28 - Nov. 02 Mexico Open October 10 - 15 Brazil Open October 16 - 21 Brazil Open November 26 - 30 South Africa Open October 29 - Nov. 05 Mexico Open October 30 - Nov. 04 Mexico Open November 22 - 26 South Africa Open November 21 - 25 South Africa Open MEN’S CALENDAR March 26 - 30 South Africa Open MEN’S CALENDAR MEN’S CALENDAR April 15- 20 USA Open March 22 - 26 South Africa Open March 22 - 26 South Africa Open May 13 - 18 China Open April 18 - 23 USA Open April 18 - 23 USA Open June 04 - 08 Croatia Open May 16 - 21 China Open May 16 - 21 China Open June 10 - 15 Russia Open June 07 - 11 Croatia Open June 07 - 11 Croatia Open June 17 - 22 Switzerland Open June 20 - 25 Switzerland Open June 20 - 25 Switzerland Open June 24 - 29 Germany Grand Slam June 27 - July 02 Russia Open June 27 - July 02 Russia Open July 01 - 06 Norway Open July 04 - 09 Norway Open July 04 - 09 Norway Open July 08 - 13 Canada Open July 11 - 16 Portugal Open July 11 - 16 Portugal Open July 15 - 20 Portugal Open July 18 - 23 Canada Open July 18 - 23 Canada Open July 22 - 27 France, Paris Grand Slam July 25 - 30 France, Paris Grand Slam July 25 - 30 France, Paris Grand Slam July 29 - August 03 Austria Grand Slam August 01 - 06 Austria Grand Slam August 01 - 06 Austria Grand Slam August 08 - 24 China, Beijing Olympic Games August 09 - 13 Poland Open August 09 - 13 Poland Open August 15 - 20 Germany Grand Slam August 15 - 20 Germany Grand Slam August 27 - 31 Poland Open August 29 - Sept. 03 Greece Open August 29 - Sept. 03 Greece Open September 02 - 07 Greece Open October 10 - 15 Brazil Open October 10 - 15 Brazil Open October 14 - 19 Brazil Open October 29 - Nov. 05 Mexico Open October 29 - Nov. 05 Mexico Open October 28 - Nov. 02 Mexico Open November 13 - 17 United Arab Emirates Open November 13 - 17 United Arab Emirates Open November 10 - 14 United Arab Emirates Open

BEACH VOLLEYBALL before the Games and in order to deter- mine the best 24 Women’s and 24 Men’s Tentative 2006-2008 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour teams (maximum 2 per country). It is Beach Volleyball calendars indeed safe to assume that the calendar from year to year will see an increase of The FIVB has the pleasure of announc- as close contenders to stage events in events on a yearly basis, including possi- ing the tentative 2006-2008 Swatch-FIVB 2006 and beyond, such as the USA, Bah- ble upgrades of Opens to (up to 6) Grand World Tour calendars, with a record of rain, Qatar, Sweden, England, Thailand, Slams and single-genders to double-gen- over 32 events. Turkey and the Netherlands, while old ders, along with the World Champion- familiar faces are hopefully due to resur- ships in 2007 and of course, the Olympic The plan is to stage a minimum of 120 face again, such as Marseille (as an Open) Games in 2008. Swatch-FIVB World Tour events over and Puerto Rico. a period of 4 years (2005-2008), and to Although most of the 2005 promoters reward players with a minimum prize In 2006, an event is also expected to be have signed a 4-year agreement with the money of US$ 30 million. organized in Tokyo or downtown Osaka, FIVB, it must be said that the ones who Japan. have not yet signed in 2006, 2007 & 2008 With this in mind, Dr. Rubén Acosta, (indicated by the asterisk) will have the FIVB President proclaims that “Beach The year 2007 will be particularly an right for a date if and only when they Volleyball is booming these days and exciting one leading to the Games in are to confirm their interest through the we will do our best to capitalize the long- Beijing, as it will not only mark the start signature of an agreement. term benefits of the tremendous suc- of the Olympic Qualification for the ath- cess the last editions of the Swatch-FIVB letes, but will also witness the World The FIVB remains open to include new World Tour and the 1996, 2000 & 2004 Championships and at this stage, Swit- events in its calendars on the basis of Olympic Games have brought forth in zerland is the most serious candidate. whoever signs first. Every year in Octo- order to improve the quality of the events ber/November, the World Council will as well as their exposure”. For the 2008 season, there is no need to then ratify the calendar for the following mention why this year will be an excep- season and therefore any open dates with As most of the 2005 promoters will con- tional one, as athletes will still be fight- the exception of the last week in August tinue in 2006 and onward, the FIVB still ing it out to qualify for Beijing with the can be granted to any organizers fulfill- holds a number of other new territories Qualification tournaments ending just ing the FIVB candidature conditions.

FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 3 Beach Volleyball News

WOMEN’S SATELLITE NEWS Olympic Beach Volleyball competition where she finished 19th with Lu Wang. Chinese net Bangkok Gold Prior to Sunday’s title, Whenhui You’s Linjun Ji youngest gold medallist best finish was a fourth last season in an “open” FIVB event in Shanghai with Linjun Ji of China became the youngest when she was 15 with Lu Wang, When- Lu Wang. Linjun Ji’s best previous fin- player ever to win an FIVB-sanctioned hui You’s Olympic partner at the Athens ish was a fifth in a 2003 “open” event in Beach Volleyball event as she teamed 2004 Games. Rhodes, Greece. with Olympian Whenhui You to post a With four-straight wins this weekend, China, which hosts the 2008 Olympic pair of wins in Bangkok on February 27 Linjun Ji and Whenhui You split the Beach Volleyball competition in Beijing, over teams from host Thailand to capture $2,000 first-place prize. has now won four international Beach the US$10,000 Mazda Satellite stop, the The Chinese pair posted a 21-14 ad 21-11 Volleyball Gold Medals, including two first international competition of the 2005 semi-final win over sixth-seeded Kasinee “open” titles in 2003 at events in Indone- season. Godtalang and Arawan Tongkamkak sia and Italy by 2004 Olympians Jia Tian Seeded first in the 12-team field with before scoring a 21-17 and 21-11 win in and Fei Wang and one challenger crown Whenhui You, Linjun Ji’s win came six 31 minutes over 10th-seeded Kamoltip in 2001 at a Greece stop by Rong Chi and days before her 19th birthday. The Nys- Kulna and Usa Tenpaksee for the gold Zi Xiong. trom twins (Erika and Emilia) captured medal. Kulna and Tenpaksee advanced to the their first international Beach Volleyball Three of Linjun Ji and Whenhui You’s gold medal match after second-seeded 19 days before their 20th birthday in 2003 wins in the Mazda event were over teams Diletta Lunardi and Annamaria Solazzi when they captured a FIVB satellite stop from Thailand. The Chinese pair did not forfeited their semi-final match to the on August 24, 2003 at Lavandou, France. lose a set this weekend while out-scoring Thailand tandem. Born March 5, 1986, Linjun Ji competed in their opponents 21.0-13.5 per set. When- Lunardi and Solazzi were trailing in the her first FIVB event at Maoming, China, hui You competed in the Athens 2004 match to Kulna and Tenpaksee 21-16 and 10-6 when the Italians became exhausted in the heat on the centre court that was set up at the Robinson’s Department Store. With the Italians also forfeiting the third- place match Sunday, Thailand captured both the silver and bronze medal. Kulna and Tenpaksee’s silver medal finish was Thailand’s best-ever international Beach Volleyball placement. Rattanaporn Arlaisuk and Manatsanan Pangka captured the bronze medal in the 2001 Thailand Challenger event where they defeated Kulna and Jarunee Sannok in the third-place match in Pattaya, Thai- land. Sannok finished seventh this week with Yupa Puklongploy as the ninth- The site of the 2005 Mazda FIVB Beach Volleyball Satellite, in the heart of Bangkok seeded tandem in the 12-team field.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL NEWS promoter, former Beach Volleyball cham- Stavanger, Norway receives the upgrade to Grand Slam pion Mr. Bjorn Maaseide, said: ‘”This is status from the FIVB a big accomplishment after all efforts made to promote Beach Volleyball in The Open event in Stavanger has been with full merit Austria, Germany and Norway and at the same time it means organized since 1999 and is definitively France for the organization of such exclu- for all of us a new challenge aiming to one of the most successful events in sive events.” achieve even better results.” the Swatch - FIVB World Tour calendar. This event from June 29 to July 3, 2005 The President of the Norwegian Sports Therefore, the decision to upgrade it to will always be scheduled in the first week Federation and Olympic Committee, a Grand Slam was a logical step. The of July and will feature the best teams Karl-Arne Johannessen said: “I am happy main goal of the FIVB is to create a series in the world playing for the total prize to take part in this press conference today of special events which will create a money of USD 560,000. as Beach Volleyball has made a huge powerful media opportunity to the FIVB It has entered in the elite of first class impact on the development of all sports properties and to all the winning Grand organized events and it will be another in Norway. This is definitively a good Slam teams during the season. The press leg in addition to a series of fantastic model to be followed by all parties.” conference explained the major differ- tournaments which will be staged in Players Ingrid Tørlen, Tor Inge Askeland ences between an Open and Grand Slam France (Paris - Champ de Mars) July 26- and the Sports Manager of the Norwe- in terms of worldwide media exposure, July 30, 2005 and Austria (Klagenfurt) gian Volleyball Association revealed the stadium capacity, athletes’ participation on 2-7 August, 2005 while from 2006 Norwegian teams’ ambition to make and VIP programs to the media. Germany (after the staging of the Swatch further progress in the World Ranking The FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta - FIVB World Championships in Berlin in leading towards Beijing 2008. stated: “The FIVB congratulates the June 2005) will continue to host a Grand organisers, the city of Stavanger, event Slam event. During the press conference it was dis- sponsors and thousands of Beach Vol- The FIVB’s plan is to also stage 1 or 2 cussed that Norway now has the pos- leyball fans and volunteers who always additional Grand Slams in other conti- sibility to host the next available Beach support the event. Norway now joins nents starting with North America. The Volleyball World Championships.

4 FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 Confederations News

CONFEDERATIONS NEWS CONFEDERATIONS NEWS Argentinean Coach in Europe New head coach for USA to catch up with his star players Women’s team

Argentina men’s coach Fabian place finish at the 2004 Olympics in USA Volleyball announced Armoa left on Monday Febru- mind. that “Jenny” Lang Ping of ary 21 for a whirlwind week- China, 44, one of the most long trip through Europe to Itinerary famous and respected indi- catch up with his star players The first stop of Armoa in Europe is viduals in the history of ahead of an all-important 2005 calendar, Greece, where he will meet Milinkovic women’s Volleyball, has been hired as which includes World Championship to organize his availability. After visits to the new head coach of the USA women’s and World League assignments. Turkey and Spain, Armoa hopes to visit national Volleyball team. The first duty for Argentina in 2005 is a Pablo Meana and Alejandro Spajic in “I am very excited to work for USA Vol- World Championship 1st Round tour- Russia, but it will entirely depend on get- leyball,” the former player known as nament in Mar del Plata from May 6-8, ting the entry permit to visit that country. ‘Iron Hammer’ said. “I will do my best where Argentina will host Uruguay and Key dates: April 18th: First training for to make the program even stronger. I am Paraguay. The winner will move straight World Championship squad. sure we will have a lot of work to do in into the 2006 World Championship Final May 1st: First training for World League order to build up the team. Our first goal Round in Japan to join the hosts, the squad. is to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games. defending champions Brazil and 21 other Of course, our journey will be very dif- teams. 22 players list ficult, but I also think we have a great Armoa named his first squad of the year future. I am very thankful to USA Volley- on Friday for the World League, which 1 Milinkovic Marcos (Universal) ball for giving me this opportunity.” starts in June. 2 Scholtis Gustavo (Opposite) “Lang Ping is perhaps the most decorated, The 22-strong line up, which includes 3 Porporatto Gustavo (Middle player) successful women’s Volleyball personal- star captain Marcos Milinkovic, will be 4 Spajic Alejandro (Middle player) ity in the world,” USA Volleyball Chief reduced to 18 in March. Seven of the 5 Cao Herrera Gilman (Setter) Executive Officer Doug Beal said. “I am squad, including Milinkovic, are cur- 6 Bernasconi Ignacio (Setter) excited that we are going to be able to rently playing overseas while Herrera 7 Gonzalez Demian (Setter) have her leading our women’s national Cao, a Cuban with Argentine citizenship 8 Ferraro Hernán (Setter) team for the next quadrennial. has also been included. Argentina will 9 Chavez Lucas (Opposite) Revered by Chinese fans, Lang Ping has play Greece, Serbia & Montenegro and 10 Peralta Pablo (Middle player) been honoured with her own postage Poland in Pool C of the World League 11 Bidegain Jerónimo (Side hitter) stamp, had her wedding broadcast on Intercontinental Round. 12 Gonzalez Alexis (Libero) national television and has stadiums Armoa admitted that a total of 30 players 13 Darraidou Santiago (Opposite) named after her in China. will rotate during the year with a pos- 14 Filardi Javier (Side hitter) After starting in 1987 with the University sible tour by Cuba in May and the South 15 Patti Leonardo (Side hitter) of New Mexico she became the head American Championship in September 16 Domínguez Marcos (Opposite) coach of the Yaohan Professional World also on the itinerary, before deciding 17 Meana Pablo (Libero) Superstar Team in Japan from 1993-1995 the definitive players for the 2006 Japan 18 Giani Gastón (Side hitter) before becoming the head coach of the World Championship. 19 Arroyo Gabriel (Middle player) Chinese national team and eventually Argentina, who hosted the previous 20 García Guillermo (Opposite) guiding them to the silver medal at the Men’s World Championship in 2002, will 21 Torcello Maximo (Side hitter) 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Later that year start 2005 with their impressive fifth 22 Jacobsen Bruno (Middle player) she earned FIVB Coach of the Year hon- ours. CONFEDERATIONS NEWS Since leaving China’s national team pro- gram in 1999, Lang Ping has been a head 2005 will be a busy year for the Indian Federation coach for a number of championship with two World level competitions teams in the Italian League. She is cur- rently under contract as the head coach Volleyball in India is looking is also working hard at securing a place of the Pieralisi Volleyball Club. forward to a very busy 2005 in the World Championships which it in which two World level missed by a whisker on point quotient competitions will be hosted after a tie three years ago. by this nation. The first one will be the In the meantime the VFI conducted its World junior men’s championship to be 53rd National Senior Championship at held at Visakhapatnam, a sprawling Port Chennai recently. An educational institu- town on the East coast. The drawing of tion, Velammal Educational Trust (VET), lots for the Junior World Championship which has a chain of schools and colleges, will be held on March 28 at Chennai. hosted the major event for the first time Then India will get ready for the second in its long history. Haryana, a small state round of the Men’s World Champion- from the north, clinched the men’s title ship, which is to be staged at Chennai after 1982, beating the Services (Army) in from June 24 to 26 and the playoffs from the final. Kerala, a southern State squad, July 1 to 3. toppled a strong Indian Railways, which Both are most challenging assignments has been winning the top honours since and the Volleyball Federation of India 1986, with an exception in 2001 when “Jenny” Lang Ping of China, new head (VFI) is doing its utmost to make them another State team Andhra took the title, coach of the USA women’s national team a grand success. At the same time, India in the women’s final.

FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 5 Confederations News

CONFEDERATIONS NEWS Unveiling of CEV Head Office in Luxemburg

The new premises of the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball (CEV) in the 6, rue de la Fonderie, were offi- cially opened on February 19 by the Luxemburg Sports Minister, Mr. Jeannot Krecke, and CEV President, Mr. André Meyer, in the presence of Board of Administration and 29 National Fed- eration’s presidents, CEV partners and numerous special guests.

The delegates of the 41 present European CEV Vice President Mr. Aleksandar Boricic, FIVB General Manager Jean-Pierre Seppey, CEV President Mr. André Meyer, Sports Minister of Luxemburg Volleyball Federations did not only travel Mr. Jeannot Krecke, CEV Vice President Mr. Philip Berben to Luxembourg to admire the new CEV headquarters. CONFEDERATIONS NEWS The first seminar for all General Secre- taries was also held from Friday until New Chinese National Women’s Squad Saturday, where crucial issues of the A mix of experience and youth daily work between the National Fed- erations and the CEV Head Office were The Chinese Volleyball Asso- discussed. ciation announced the for- mation of the new national A gala dinner and the awarding cer- women’s Volleyball team, emony of the best European Volleyball setting its main sights on the 2008 Olym- and Beach Volleyball players brought the pic Games in Beijing. festivities to a close on Saturday night. Chen Zhonghe, who led China to win the World Cup title in 2003 and the The 2.06 meter tall Russian Ekaterina Athens Olympic Gold medal, remains Gamova, ‘Best Player 2004’ in the wom- as the head coach. But the former assist- en’s category, truly amazed the present ant coach Lai Yawen was replaced by guests by her outstanding career. Yu Juemin, who was the head coach of Zejiang Men’s Team and former assistant Moreover, Nicole Schnyder-Benoit who coach for National Men’s Team. arrived without her former partner The 18-member team is a mix of experi- Simone Kuhn from Switzerland received ence and youth, with eight players who Captain Feng Kun will continue to guide the ‘Queen of the Beach 2004’ award as competed at the 2004 Olympic Games the Chinese women’s team a tribute to her remarkable career on the and the other ten who are only under 20 beaches all around the world. years old. Four veteran players including wing and middle blocker Zhao Ruirui,” he Last but not least Pablo Herrera and spikers Wang Lina and Zhang Yuehong, added. Javier Bosma were crowned as ‘Kings of who made great contributions in helping Chen admitted the attacking power by the Beach 2004’. The two Spaniards won the Chinese team win the Olympic Gold the wing spikers is his main concern, the silver medal during the Olympic medal, were dropped from the squad saying “he has to pay more attention Games staged in Athens last year. due to their ages. The new Chinese to the middle blockers. That’s why he women’s team has an average age of selected a total of eight middle block- 20.8 years old with an average height ers into the team.” The head coach said, of 1.90 meters. Head coach said, “The “Chinese people have great expectations main consideration for selecting so many from our team and hope the Chinese young players in our national team is Women’s team will regain the glories to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games. they achieved in the 1980s. The team will They are very promising and have great try their utmost to strive for good results potential. The only problem for them is in the 2006 World Championship, 2007 the lack of experience.” World Cup and 2008 Olympic Games.” “In 2005, I will certainly field the young players in the international competitions. Rosters But because there is a great gap between Setters: Feng Kun, Zhao Yun, Song Nina the young and the veterans in the context Opposite: Zhou Suhong of technical and psychological strength, Wing Spikers: Yang Hao, Wang Yimei, we will keep the main line-up in the com- Chu Jinling, Yin Na petitions in 2005, which competed in the Middle Blockers: Zhao Ruirui, Liu Yanan, Best Player Awards: Javier Bosma (ESP), World Cup and Olympic Games, includ- Zhang Ping, Xue Ming, Ma Yenwen, Luo Nicole Schnyder-Benoit (SUI), Pablo Yu, Wang Ting, Wang Keke Herrera (ESP), Ekaterina Gamova (RUS) ing captain and setter Feng Kun, wing spiker Yang Hao, opposite Zhou Suhong Libero: Zhang Na, Wang Lin

6 FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 Development News

DEVELOPMENT NEWS Key benefits of the Volleyball UNICEF - FIVB Global partnership project • Volleyball is a popular sport in OPT. It progress report is non-violent, non-contact and easy to play. In November 2004, UNICEF and the to reduce child and adolescent exposure • Volleyball training and competitions FIVB launched a global partnership to to violence and increase opportunities will be combined with life skills jointly promote and protect the rights for play, development, participation and education in schools and youth clubs of all children to healthy recreation and recreation. in Child-Friendly Cities throughout quality education. The launch took place OPT. Life skills education has already during a visit to the occupied Palestinian The OPT Volleyball Project and Sports for proved successful in developing territory (OPT) by UNICEF’s Executive Development programme is also linked young people’s skills in negotiation, Director, Carol Bellamy. to the “Child-Friendly Cities” initia- problem solving, critical thinking, self The focus of the UNICEF/FIVB global tive in Jenin, Nablus, Talkarem, Hebron, esteem, discipline, leadership and partnership is to provide recreation and Rafah and Gaza city. The Child-Friendly coping with violence. to increase the protection and participa- Cities initiative includes the creation of • Partnerships with the Palestinian Vol- tion of children and adolescents affected ‘safe play zones’. leyball Association, the Ministry of by conflict. The partnership was formed Education, the Ministry of Youth and in response to momentum built after Main primary objectives of the Sport, and community-based youth the report of the United Nations Inter- Volleyball project clubs have already been established. Agency Task Force on Sports for Develop- • Train 300 local trainers in Volleyball ment, co-chaired by the Executive Direc- coaching and life skills education, • Key protection messages related to tor of UNICEF and the Special Adviser including positive competition and adolescents’ needs and rights will be to the Secretary-General on Sports for conflict resolution. linked to sporting events. Development, Adolf Ogi. • Increase physical activity and health • More than 6,000 girls and boys will The partnership logo is called “Keep among thousands of young people in participate directly in sporting events the Ball Flying for Children!” and will 156 schools and 42 youth clubs. throughout OPT. focus on bringing Volleyball to children • Create opportunities for adolescent affected by conflict. participation in the planning and FIVB contribution to the OPT management of community Volley- Volleyball project Volleyball in the Occupied ball competitions. The FIVB contribution to the Volleyball Palestinian Territory (OPT) as • Strengthen partnerships between project included last year provision and part of UNICEF’s sports for national ministries, city munici- transportation of Volleyball equipment development programme palities and community-based and materials, as well as support for The Volleyball project in OPT will serve youth clubs, and build local capacity international coaches to train local Vol- as the first project of the UNICEF/FIVB through the organization of Volley- leyball coaches, in close collaboration global partnership. A key objective of the ball competitions, both in schools and with the Palestinian Volleyball Federa- Sports for Development programme is in youth clubs. tion.

Keep the ball flying for children!

“Volleyball is a practical way to help UNICEF in proceed- ing forward to reach the Millennium Development Goals. UNICEF sees sport, not as a luxury, but as an extraordinary tool that can be used to achieve development and peaceful goals, particularly to support the rehabilitation of children affected by conflict. We thank the FIVB for their constant and generous support to UNICEF.” FIVB and UNICEF keep the ball flying for children and the Palestinian community (Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF)

FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005 7 Exclusive material & equipments for 2005 - 2008 FIVB APPROVED VOLLEYBALL BALLS HOMOLOGATED POSTS, PADS, ANTENNAE, NETS, REFEREE CHAIRS MIKASA SENOH Post, pads, nets with antennae & referees’ chairs MVP 200 color (color, synthetic leather) are exclusive for all FIVB Competitions, Exclusive Game Ball for all FIVB Competitions incl. OG 2008 incl. OG 2008

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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: info@fivb.org • Editor: Communication Dpt. • No 132 • February 2005

8 FIVB X-Press No 132 February 2005