Day two of the visit also featured key moments, including the signing of the Sports for Nature Framework and a meeting with the President of Palau.
World Volleyball Day was celebrated in full spirit during the ongoing Pacific Mini Games, as the FIVB leadership continued its official visit of Palau.
The celebration featured a vibrant beach volleyball showcase, bringing together the local volleyball community and athletes participating in the Pacific Mini Games. The event fostered a festive and inclusive atmosphere, with players, fans and youth all uniting around the shared joy of the sport.
The day’s celebrations were also featured on ANOC TV, the media platform of the Association of National Olympic Committees. In an interview, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo reflected on the joy of witnessing children enjoying beach volleyball against the backdrop of Palau’s stunning natural beauty.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=743992781378937
“Being here for the first ever World Volleyball Day is something special,” said the FIVB President. “We want more people engaging in our sport. We want more people playing our sport and having fun with it. Volleyball’s a sport that you can play all year long, on grass, on sand, indoors, outdoors, 2-on-2, 3-on-3, 6-on-6, 9-on-9. It’s just a matter of keeping the ball flying, moving, getting healthy and sharing the values of the sport. Volleyball is a sport of collaboration and that’s what our world needs today.”
President Fabio Azevedo also praised the organisation of the Pacific Mini Games and the warm welcome extended to the FIVB delegation.
During the day, the FIVB also held a productive meeting with the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), represented by its President Frank Kyota, Secretary General Baklai Temengil – who also serves as an IOC Member and President of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) – and members of the PNOC Board. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the FIVB, PNOC and the Palau Volleyball Federation to ensure a lasting legacy from the Pacific Mini Games.
One of the key topics was the proposal to transform the current beach volleyball venue into a Centre of Excellence for beach volleyball, with strong alignment among all stakeholders to support athlete development and create long-term impact for Palau and the Oceania region.
The meeting also explored joint development initiatives, including Volleyball Empowerment programme projects and Olympic Solidarity initiatives, with a shared emphasis on youth beach volleyball development. The PNOC expressed full support to explore the possibility of hosting a future edition of the FIVB Age Group Beach Volleyball World Championship in Palau.
Later that evening, the President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., accompanied by the First Lady Valerie Whipps, attended the beach volleyball semi-final matches of the Mini Pacific Games. Also present was the Governor of Koror, Eyos Rudimch.
Throughout the day, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo engaged directly with beach volleyball and indoor volleyball athletes from various national teams. Conversations centred on their development needs at zonal, continental and international levels, and how the FIVB and its Volleyball Empowerment programme can support their growth. These discussions reflect the goals of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which places athletes at the heart of the Global Volleyball Movement.
A major highlight of the day was the FIVB’s official signing of the Sports for Nature Framework, a key step in its sustainability journey. The signing took place in the presence of Oceania National Olympic Committees President and International Olympic Committee Member Baklai Temengil. Learn more here.
The visit also included a high-level meeting between the President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., and the FIVB leadership. Discussions focused on future hosting opportunities and strategies to further grow volleyball throughout the nation. Read more here.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click https://www.facebook.com/avcasianvolleyball
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation