The Koror Beach Volleyball Venue in Palau has received official recognition as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) from the FIVB. This follows the formal signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Koror State, the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association (OZVA), the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), and the Palau Volleyball Federation (PVF).
Key officials signed the MoU: Eyos Rudimch (Governor of Koror State), Fabio Azevedo (FIVB President), Frank Kyota (PNOC President), Hugh Graham (OZVA President and FIVB Executive Vice President), and Hila Asanuma (PVF President and FIVB Executive Vice-President). The signing occurred after important discussions held by FIVB leaders during their trip to Palau for the Pacific Mini Games. Palau`s President, Surangel Whipps Jr., also gave strong backing to this initiative.
Operating as a Centre of Excellence, the Koror venue will prioritize advanced training and foster the growth of young talent, athletes, and coaches throughout the Oceania region. This will help create a lasting impact from the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games, representing unity, shared knowledge, and opportunities for future players.
This recognition marks a significant step forward in the development of beach volleyball. The center is set to become a crucial regional hub for training and development within Oceania.
Furthermore, the MoU signing takes place as the FIVB and its partners in Palau are actively looking into the possibility of Palau hosting a future FIVB Age Group World Championship event.
Finley Blackwood