As part of his ongoing efforts to engage with the European Volleyball community and promote the sport at the highest levels, CEV President Roko Sikirić recently visited Latvia. His trip included a productive meeting with Latvia`s Prime Minister, Evika Silina.
The CEV President with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina.
During their conversation, both leaders underscored the particularly significant and unique role that sport can play in today`s increasingly divided and often polarised world. The CEV President highlighted sport`s inherent power to unite people, inspire positive change, build bridges between communities, and foster a collective spirit, while also promoting healthy lifestyles, which is especially crucial for younger generations. In times marked by global uncertainty and division, sport offers a valuable source of stability and positive energy.
The meeting provided an opportunity to stress sport`s vital role in building connections and promoting unity and stability.
Mr. Sikirić also took the opportunity to mention the remarkable success of Latvian athletes, particularly in Beach Volleyball, noting that the indoor version of the game is also showing consistent development. He pointed to the potential for Latvia to further elevate the sport`s profile by potentially co-organising the CEV EuroVolley Men in 2028, for which the Latvian Volleyball Federation has expressed interest.
The CEV President conveyed his gratitude to the Latvian government for their support of sport within the country. He acknowledged Latvia`s crucial role in the ongoing expansion of European Volleyball, attributing it to their elite athletes, promising young talents, and highly capable officials and leaders.
The CEV President was accompanied by leading figures from Latvian Volleyball and the President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, Frane Žanić.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood