The FIVB Athletes’ Commission, under the leadership of President Madelein Meppelink and Secretary Sam Deroo, has been proactively working to represent the voices of athletes from around the globe. During its recent virtual annual meeting, the Commission discussed a broad range of topics pertinent to volleyball and beach volleyball events, athlete empowerment, and development programs.
This meeting not only served as a reflection of the achievements made in 2023 but also as a preparatory ground for the upcoming Athletes’ Commission elections for the 2024-2028 cycle, marking a significant step towards ensuring athletes’ voices are heard and incorporated in the decision-making process.
In addition to internal discussions and strategic planning, the Commission’s involvement in the presentation of the FIVB Volleyball Calendar for 2025-2028 was highlighted. President Madelein Meppelink played a key role in a working group focused on integrating athletes’ perspectives into the new and innovative calendar, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that athletes’ needs and views are at the forefront of FIVB’s agenda.
Moreover, the FIVB Development Commission recently showcased the substantial impact of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and Development programs, highlighting the investment of 24 million CHF into 846 projects across 195 National Federations. This effort reflects the organization’s dedication to nurturing the sport at all levels, with a particular focus on supporting the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle through approved grants totaling over 4.3 million USD from Olympic Solidarity for volleyball and beach volleyball projects.
The increase in the number of Team Support grants and the substantial rise in investment underscore the FIVB’s commitment to advancing the sport globally.
The appointment of Simone Anzani to the Athletes’ Commission is another testament to FIVB’s ongoing efforts to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise within its ranks. Anzani, a celebrated Italian volleyball player with an impressive track record, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Commission.
His journey from a young athlete to a world champion, and now a representative on the Athletes’ Commission, highlights the inclusive approach of the FIVB towards embracing athletes from different backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the sport’s development.
These developments reflect the FIVB’s holistic approach to governance, emphasizing athlete representation, developmental initiatives, and strategic planning to ensure volleyball continues to grow and evolve on the global stage. The Athletes’ Commission’s active role in shaping the future of volleyball, coupled with significant investments in development programs, showcases FIVB’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive volleyball community
