Japan has brought so much to women’s volleyball. Since becoming the first Olympic Champions in the event at Tokyo 1964, Japan’s women have inspired every team around the world to work harder and to work together. Their inspiration has afftected the way both men and women play our sport.
With the 11th edition of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championships, in Kobe, we will all have the opportunity to see how the lessons of teamwork have been learned over years of practice and throughout the season of competition.
The last edition of the Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship in Manilla, Philippines set a new benchmark. We saw Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul become the first club to win back-to-back titles with victory against Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy in a thrilling final which marked the first time in history that a Women's Club World Championship has been decided in five sets.
I cannot wait to see the exciting play that lies ahead. The hard work required by the teams just to reach the Championships had been matched by that of the organisers and the FIVB is doing more than ever before to support the tournament. Innovations on the court, to the court itself and around the court will help show our progress.
Together we are fulfilling our vision to make volleyball the number one family sport entertainment in the world. The FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championships is an important step towards achieving this vision and please accept my best wishes for a fantastic competition.
Dr. Ary S. Graça F°
FIVB President