Lausanne, Switzerland, May 26, 2020 – The FIVB on Tuesday launched its Athletes’ Relief Support fund to provide short-term assistance to professional volleyball and beach volleyball players who have been affected financially by the global coronavirus pandemic.
An initiative, of the FIVB President Ary S. Graça F° and the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, approved by the FIVB Executive Committee, will offer support to those athletes who are in financial hardship due to the postponement and cancellation of FIVB events. The Athletes’ Relief Support fund is aimed at those who are currently unable to afford the basic necessities including, but not limited to, food, family care and housing. In light of the global nature of the current situation, all assistance will be determined by a thorough analysis of each individual case.
An initiative, of the FIVB President Ary S. Graça F° and the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, approved by the FIVB Executive Committee, will offer support to those athletes who are in financial hardship due to the postponement and cancellation of FIVB events. The Athletes’ Relief Support fund is aimed at those who are currently unable to afford the basic necessities including, but not limited to, food, family care and housing. In light of the global nature of the current situation, all assistance will be determined by a thorough analysis of each individual case.
In order to ensure that the Athletes’ Relief Support fund is distributed fairly, the online application process will be transparent and led by a dedicated Task Force, which includes the leadership of the FIVB, the FIVB Athletes’ Commission and the FIVB Team. This Task Force will be responsible for evaluating applications, conducting eligibility checks, and ensuring that this fund assists those who cannot currently meet their basic needs. Athletes applying for the FIVB Athletes’ Relief Support fund will need to meet set eligibility requirements for their application to be considered for further evaluation. The eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, being clear from sanctions on international and national levels, having no anti-doping rules violations, and having participated in the minimum required number of FIVB events during the 2018-2019 season along with several other requirements.
In addition, in consideration of the ongoing global coronavirus crisis, and in order to allow athletes a suitable amount of time to apply for funding, applications will remain open for a one-month period from 26 May 2020 to 23 June 2020.
FIVB President Ary S. Graça Fᵒ said:
“The FIVB understands how much time and dedication every single volleyball and beach volleyball player puts into our sport. They are the heart and soul of volleyball, and without them our sport would not be the global success that it is. We also fully understand that, for some, the necessary postponement or cancellation of FIVB events will have had a significant impact on their everyday lives. Therefore, it is the FIVB’s responsibility to continue to support them in every way that we can, and that is why the Athletes’ Relief Support fund was created. With the help of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission and a dedicated Task Force, we will ensure that this fund goes to those who truly need it during this time, and help our athletes to concentrate on staying safe and healthy.”
President of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission Gilberto “Giba” Amauri de Godoy Filho said:
“The FIVB Athletes’ Commission serves as an essential link between the players and the FIVB. This link is incredibly important, especially during these challenging times when athletes, much like many others, have been unable to work. We have played a key role in the creation of the Athletes’ Relief Support fund, and I am incredibly happy that we are able to have such open and honest communication with the FIVB. Now, having listened to the voices of our athletes, we are able to offer them a helping hand, and we will continue to support them throughout this period.”
Member of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission and current beach volleyball player Madelein Meppelink said:
“Volleyball and beach volleyball players give so much to our sport. From training incredibly hard, to giving our all on the court, this sport is both our passion and our livelihoods. It is amazing to see the FIVB continually seek to assist us both on and off the court. I know that, for many of my fellow athletes, the Athletes’ Relief Support fund will be a vital initiative which will help tremendously during these dark times.”
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