During a visit to Palau coinciding with the Pacific Mini Games, a delegation from the FIVB, led by President Fabio Azevedo, engaged in a series of high-level discussions and activities. The primary focus was on accelerating the development of both volleyball and beach volleyball within the Pacific region.
In a meeting held with the leadership of the Palau Volleyball Federation (PVF), including its President, Hila Asanuma, who also serves as an FIVB Board of Administration member, talks centered on the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme. This initiative has been crucial in supporting Palau`s volleyball growth through 11 distinct projects. These projects have provided vital resources such as a dedicated volleyball court surface, comprehensive net systems, essential coaching support, and specialized equipment for beach volleyball.
Further discussions between the FIVB and PVF explored the potential for formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement could pave the way for establishing a dedicated Centre of Excellence at the current beach volleyball venue. This location was specifically highlighted as an exemplary model for creating sustainable legacy infrastructure, aligning perfectly with the objectives outlined in the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. The Palau Federation also conveyed its strong interest in potentially hosting a future meeting of the FIVB Board of Administration, signaling their growing ambition and desire for increased engagement in global volleyball affairs.
In an interview conducted with the Pacific Mini Games media team, the FIVB President shared valuable insights regarding the planning and execution of the volleyball and beach volleyball competitions. He specifically commended the impressive preparation of the venues and the evident local enthusiasm for the sports. The President also reiterated the FIVB’s long-term commitment to fostering the growth of volleyball in Palau and across the broader Pacific area, placing particular emphasis on the importance of sustainable development practices and enhancing local capacity building.
A strategic meeting was also held with the Oceania Volleyball Zonal Association (OVZA), attended by leaders, Secretaries General, and Presidents from various National Federations. During this session, the FIVB leadership presented the core tenets of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. The FIVB delegation also provided detailed information on various components of the Volleyball Empowerment programme, including opportunities available through Olympic Solidarity, the operational model of a Centre of Excellence, and specifics concerning the qualification system for the Youth Olympic Games.
Correspondingly, the OVZA presented its foundational strategy, which identified several key priorities for the region. These included improving governance and leadership structures, ensuring better integration with global development programmes, enhancing athlete development pathways, raising the standards of high-performance coaching and refereeing, expanding opportunities for competition, and strategically investing in education, marketing, and the building of effective partnerships. The meeting strongly reaffirmed a mutual commitment to working together towards a unified, high-impact future for volleyball throughout Oceania.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood