On the second day of the FIV FIVB delegation`s visit during the Pacific Mini Games, representatives from FIVB held a meeting with Surangel Whipps Jr., the President of the Republic of Palau. The discussions focused on potential future opportunities for Palau to host events and strategies for developing volleyball within the country.
The meeting coincided with the inaugural World Volleyball Day, observed on July 7. To mark the occasion, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo presented President Surangel Whipps Jr. with a commemorative World Volleyball Day t-shirt. Additionally, he gifted the President a special print of a painting by renowned artist Peter Spens, which depicts the beach volleyball venue for the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
A key aspect of the conversation was the assistance provided through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. Since 2017, this initiative has allocated USD 168,000 across 11 different projects in Palau, supporting various needs from providing volleyball equipment to funding coach development.
Furthermore, the long-term prospect of establishing a Beach Volleyball Centre of Excellence in Palau was explored. The President of Palau expressed strong support for this significant project, recognizing its potential not only to benefit Palauan athletes but also to serve as a vital regional training and development hub for surrounding Oceania nations.
In a clear demonstration of commitment, President Whipps gave his full approval for Palau to potentially host a future FIVB Age Group Beach Volleyball World Championship. Following this endorsement, the FIVB plans to commence feasibility studies and planning efforts to investigate bringing this competition to the nation.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood