Olympic Solidarity and FIVB join forces to develop youth beach volleyball across the Caribbean
In a collaborative effort to enhance young athletes’ exposure to high-level volleyball competition across the Eastern Caribbean region, a joint pilot project has been launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). Supported by the Olympic Solidarity Youth Athlete Development programme, the initiative will create more opportunities for teams to qualify for continental and international age group events, such as the FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in 2025.
The project is an example of Olympic Solidarity’s support for multifaceted programmes that prioritise athlete development. Steve Tutton, Head of Technical and Development at the FIVB, emphasised the importance of helping young athletes grow, and highlighted Olympic Solidarity’s contribution to improving the future of sports such as volleyball.
“This innovative project demonstrates the FIVB’s commitment to continually improving volleyball across the world,” said Tutton. “The development of young athletes is vital for the future of the sport, and it is fantastic to be working with Olympic Solidarity to help provide these young players with new opportunities to develop their talent and gain experience in high-level competition.”
Empowering young athletes across the Caribbean
As part of the pilot project, the FIVB and Olympic Solidarity supported the organisation of the inaugural Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) U19 Beach Volleyball Championships held in Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2 to 3 September.
The new tournament saw youth teams from across the region showcase their world-class ability, with Dominica’s Edmund and Bully clinching the women’s gold and Saint Lucia’s Peter Emmanuel and Rio Jaden Victor the men’s top spot. Its success has led FIVB to commit to providing an annual allocation to the ECVA to organise the event, with Olympic Solidarity pledging to continue covering the transport costs and registration fees for players and coaches.
“The U19 Beach Volleyball Championships were a huge success, and we are particularly grateful to the FIVB and Olympic Solidarity for their support in establishing the event,” said ECVA President Glenn Quinlan. “Competitions like these are crucial in helping to develop volleyball in the region and empowering our young athletes to strive for greatness on the international stage.”
Worldwide benefits
From grassroots to elite level, sports development remains a key priority for any initiative implemented by Olympic Solidarity for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across the world, each delivered in collaboration with International and National Federations and other key partners.
Following the success of this pilot project in the Eastern Caribbean region – which places sports development at its heart – the IOC and FIVB now plan to roll out the initiative to Oceania, to further enhance the growth of youth beach volleyball globally between now and 2024. This is supported by the Olympic Solidarity 2021-24 plan, which promises to increase the support offered to a range of programmes focused on assisting athletes at all levels, all over the world and in all sports.
“We are very happy to see the FIVB take advantage of the Olympic Solidarity Youth Athlete Development IF Opportunity programme,” explained James Macleod, the IOC’s NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity Director.
“This programme offers smaller NOCs essential sport-specific support and provides talented young athletes with access to pathways designed to propel them to the next level, and ultimately build towards the Olympic Games."
“With this initiative, the FIVB has demonstrated its commitment to creating new opportunities for young athletes to train, develop their skills and reach high-level competition, thus ensuring the promotion of volleyball worldwide.”