USAV, Anaheim to Host 2012 FIVB World Congress

Bill Kauffman
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: bill.kauffman@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 8, 2011) – USA Volleyball has been selected by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) as the host National Federation of the 33rd FIVB World Congress, which will be held in the City of Anaheim, Calif., in mid-September 2012 following the London Olympic Games. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the City of Anaheim are supporting host partners for the event that will draw 250-plus volleyball dignitaries.

The FIVB serves as the international governing body responsible for indoor and beach volleyball on a global basis, while USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body for the sport in the United States and recognized as such by the FIVB. The FIVB World Congress is held every two years, with the most recent Congress held in Rome in September 2010 prior to the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Italy.

“On behalf of USA Volleyball, I want to express our sincere thanks to FIVB President Mr. Jizhong Wei and the entire FIVB Board of Administration for their overwhelming support in our bid to host the 33rd FIVB World Congress, an important event in our sport’s history as it will be an elective Congress replacing Mr. Wei, who will not stand for re-election,” USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal said. “To host this event is a tremendous honor for USA Volleyball and a very positive statement from the FIVB on how it views our ability to conduct prestigious events. As a proud member of NORCECA, USA Volleyball appreciates the support from our confederation leadership and volleyball federations in our zone.”

Zurich and Rome were also in consideration to host the 2012 FIVB World Congress.

“USA Volleyball and its host city partner Anaheim are honored to be selected by the FIVB to host the prestigious 33rd FIVB World Congress,” USA Volleyball Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. “Having been the host for the Congress twice before – 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1996 (Atlanta) – USA Volleyball looks forward to welcoming the over 200 delegates from National Volleyball Federations from around the world as they travel to Anaheim for this impressive international assembly. The 1984 FIVB World Congress in Los Angeles was an elective Congress as well, which started Ruben Acosta’s impressive 24-years as president of FIVB.”

“Anaheim is proud to be the Official Host City for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams, and we are excited that the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has chosen Anaheim to host its 2012 World Congress,” Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said. “Anaheim is a popular destination city, known for world-class sports, theme parks and entertainment, and we look forward to welcoming our friends from the international volleyball community to Anaheim later next year.”

Anaheim serves as the Official Host City for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams, which train at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim. In 2006, the U.S. Men’s National Team transitioned its training headquarters to Anaheim from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., and went on to win the 2008 Olympic Games gold medal. The U.S. Women’s National Team, currently ranked second in the world, followed the same relocation path in 2009 after winning the silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.

“We are delighted to partner to produce this event with the City of Anaheim, which serves as the training location for our indoor National Teams, and the United States Olympic Committee with its assistance in visas, travel and other logistical matters,” Beal said.

“We congratulate USA Volleyball for bringing this important international event to the United States, and thank the FIVB for the opportunity to host its 200-plus national federations from around the world,” U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said. “The USOC has put an increased emphasis on supporting and contributing to the worldwide Olympic Movement, and we couldn’t do it without the great efforts of our National Governing Bodies. We look forward to supporting USA Volleyball in welcoming the attendees of the FIVB World Congress to the United States next year.”

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 260,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $17 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information please visit usavolleyball.org.

About FIVB: The FIVB (www.fivb.org) is the governing body responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a global level. Working closely with national federations and private enterprises the FIVB aims to develop Volleyball as a major world media and entertainment sport through world-class planning and organization of competitions, marketing and development activities. The FIVB is part of the Olympic Movement, contributing to the success of the Olympic Games. For a historical review of the FIVB, visit http://www.fivb.org/EN/FIVB/FIVB_History.asp.

About Anaheim: The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

Tags: 2012 FIVB World Congress, Anaheim, Doug Beal, FIVB, USA Volleyball