International federation chief lauds new development centre

Dubai: The President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has reiterated that the establishment of the new Beach Volleyball Development Centre in the UAE will enhance the quality and reputation of the sport worldwide.

"Modern Dubai today is a convincing statement to the rest of the world. The UAE has taken the initiative to set up this first of its kind development centre and I am convinced that it will be a big benchmark for the rest of the world," Jizhong Wei said at the signing of the agreement.

The agreement will see the establishment of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Development Centre between the world governing body, the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the UAE Volleyball Association (UAE VA).

"The UAE has taken up this initiative and I can confidently say that this will propel volleyball and beach volleyball to greater heights, not just in the UAE but in the neighbouring countries as well," Jizhong said.

Co-signed

The agreement was co-signed by Ebrahim Abdul Malek, Secretary General, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW); Mohammad Al Kamali, Secretary General, UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) and FIVB President Jizhong in the presence of Dr Saleh Bin Nasser, AVC President, Amer Ali, UAE VA President, Nasser Al Rahma from the Dubai Sports Council and Eisa Hamza, First President, AVC.

Since 2009, the FIVB has spent more in developing the sport than any other year in its history by allocating increased financial resources. The key behind the fresh initiative is an increase in support for grass roots development, with the beneficiary being the sport around the world.

Last year, the United Nations and the FIVB signed a Global Partnership for Development agreement where both organisations announced their intention to promote shared values to drive forward international development and to support the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals throughout the world.

Players' needs

"Beach volleyball is a fast developing sport and this centre is here to serve the players and their needs. Please let the world know that there is such a centre here in Dubai," Jizhong said.

Amer Ali remarked that the selection of the UAE for such a historic moment just indicates the huge potential the world body sees in the region. He said the centre will be housed in one of seven beach areas.