Volleyball Foundation
Discussions focused on using volleyball to connect, serve and inspire
The FIVB Volleyball Foundation Board of Administration met on Friday and reaffirmed its strong commitment to using the global reach and power of volleyball to provide meaningful support to communities worldwide.
The meeting, held in hybrid format at Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, saw the Board approve four new projects for 2025. Each aim to ensure the Foundation has a wider outreach across the Global Volleyball Movement. These projects are:
Generations for Peace – Jordan
The Generations for Peace Volleyball Programme aims to improve the mental health and psychosocial well-being of 100 children (aged 10-24) from Syria affected by displacement. Over one year, the programme will deliver trauma-informed, inclusive volleyball activities integrated with psychosocial support and conflict transformation principles, facilitated by trained local youth leaders.
Beyond the Net 2025 – Ethiopia
Beyond the Net 2025 is a humanitarian, educational and sports-based international cooperation initiative designed to improve the lives of over 3,000 children from Ethiopia through volleyball. It builds on the earlier successful phases of Beyond the Net, launched in 2017 but interrupted by the pandemic, and now aims to relaunch with an expanded scope and vision. This involves promoting sports and education through the integration of volleyball into the school programmes of three rural villages in Ethiopia.
Volley4Change – Vanuatu
Volley4Change is a sport-for-development initiative by the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation, aimed at promoting social inclusion and gender equity through volleyball. The programme empowers women and people with disabilities by equipping them with leadership skills, boosting confidence and fostering community acceptance through volleyball-based activities.
She Wish to Play – Tanzania
She Wish to Play is a flagship project of the Kilimagnet Volleyball Foundation, aiming to promote girls’ access to both volleyball and education. Founded in August 2020 by former volleyball player Renovatus Sixmund, the Foundation originated as a local club aimed at nurturing post-college volleyball talent in Moshi, Kilimanjaro. The foundation’s primary goal is to empower youth, namely girls, through volleyball by combining athletic training with education and personal development opportunities.
Stay tuned for more information around how the Foundation will support these projects!
The Board also discussed the activities of its inaugural year. Since its official launch in May 2024, the Foundation has made significant progress in fulfilling its mission to connect, serve, and inspire communities through the sport. In just a few months, it has supported impactful grassroots projects and initiated activations in India, Kenya, Thailand, and Qatar – bringing volleyball to new audiences and using the sport as a vehicle for social transformation.
Notably, the Foundation also achieved a Guinness World Record for organising the largest volleyball exhibition match, with 430 players participating in a single game.
The Foundation further elevated its global presence during the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In partnership with the FIVB, it delivered a series of immersive Volleyball Experiences that brought the sport directly to the public. Over 300,000 individuals took part in activities ranging from playing on professional courts and testing their skills with serve simulators, to engaging with Olympic medallists and volleyball legends – creating unforgettable memories and deepening fans’ connection to the sport.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed and formally approved the 2024 financial closing accounts, as well as the strategic roadmap and budget for 2025 – laying a clear plan for a continued positive impact. Further discussions of the Board meeting focused on the Foundation’s activation calendar for 2025 and a proposal for collaboration under the IOC’s Olympism 365 initiative.
The meeting was also marked by the announcement of FIVB Volleyball Foundation President Dr Ary S. Graça F° that he would be stepping down as President of the Foundation for personal reasons. The Volleyball Foundation Vice President and FIVB President, Fabio Azevedo, will assume the position as interim President.
