FIVB $15 million World League: A superb climax to a superb edition

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1 N o 116 July 2003 English edition F É D É R ATION INTERNATIONALE DE VOLLEYBALL FIVB $15 million World League: A superb climax to a superb edition of an enormously courageous encounter. It was a superb climax to a superb 14th edition. Brazil and Serbia and Montenegro represent two quite distinct styles of play, with Brazil, somewhat smaller in stature, relying on superb technical skills and game tactics, while Serbia and Montenegro represent a unique combination of athleticism, fighting spirit and a never-say-die approach that guarantees it will be thrilling until the final whistle. Both teams exited the tournament occupying first and second place in the FIVB World Rankings and after their first-ever clash in the final of a major international competition, with enormous respect for each other. Brazil celebrate their 2003 World League title at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid Brazil was the winner, but in such a tiebreaker, where match points were traded with unprecedented ferocity, they left the court acutely aware of how close Serbia and Montenegro came to stealing their glorious moment. When the world's two best teams clash in the final of the elite men's annual volleyball tournament, it is bound to be spectacular. But when Brazil met Serbia and Montenegro in the final of the 14th edition the result was more than spectacular and produced almost two hours of electrifying volleyball. It was a match that Spain, the hosts, and millions around the world will think of as one of the greatest matches ever. Brazil triumphed in the end, prompting wild celebrations among the team and spectators as their captain, Nalbert Bitencourt, raced across the court, leapt onto a reporter's work bench and saluted the Brazilian fans who had dressed for the carnival and come out in force to urge their team to glory. When the music and wild cheering had died down a tone and the players had begun to realize what they had achieved, Brazil's coach Bernardo Rezende put the victory of the World Champions over the Olympic champions in perfect context when he said: "Sometimes in such a tiebreak maybe there should be a point where we put up our hands and declare both teams the winner. But sport is not like that and neverthless I want to say that Serbia and Montenegro are great champions." The final was contested at Madrid's Palacio Vistalegre, a venue also used for bullfighting that has seen its share of monumental clashes and drama. Spanish fans, who well supported their own team, which, led by the charismatic Rafael (Rafa) Pascual, finished in a creditable fifth place, came out in force to celebrate the final. Joined by a large contingent of colorful Brazilians, they contrived to make the rafters ring, while jugglers, break dancers, entertainers and Spain's own Little Black Bull "Torito" all contributed to the carnival atmosphere. The match went to arguably the most thrilling tiebreaker ever with Brazil finally prevailing after 111 minutes But as well as a superb final, the 14th edition brought with it some surprises. Newcomers the Czech Republic, who, together with Bulgaria, were late starters to the 14th edition after coming in to replace Argentina and China. They not only won their Intercontinental Round Pool convincingly, but then blazed a trail through to the semifinals before finally being beaten by volleyball powerhouse Italy. Bulgaria, coming back to the World League after a four-year absence and looking in superb athletic form did not make the final four but went out in a blaze of glory when they eliminated title-holders Russia in the last match of their preliminary pool. The World League, for the 16 participating teams, has evolved into an essential annual competition and continues to be a unique opportunity for them all to meet in top competition. For more news and updates visit our website at: www. fivb.org/ Find out more at

2 V O L L E Y B A L L 2003 WORLD LEAGUE PHOTO GALLERY Over 10, 000 spectators turned up at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid for the 2003 World League finals Brazilian supporters in the crowd Brazil celebrate their triumph! Nalbert spikes into Goran Vujevic, Andrija Geric and Serbia and Montenegro captain Nikola Grbic Luis Pedro Suela from Spain receives Brazilian captain Nalbert Bitencourt with the honours Celebration time for Brazil Skills Awards: Top scorer: Ivan Miljkovic, Serbia and Montenegro Top spiker: Martin Lebl, Czech Republic Top blocker: Andrija Geric, Serbia and Montenegro Top server: Andrija Geric, Serbia and Montenegro Final Round Standings So close: A hugely disappointed Slobodan Boskan (Serbia and Montenegro) Top spiker: Martin Lebl of the Czech Republic unleashes another spike against Alessandro Fei (Italy) Download X-Press electronically from our website at: www. fivb.org/ 2FIVB X-Press N o 116 July 2003

3 FIVB V O L L E Y B A L L FIVB WORLD GRAND PRIX FROM JULY 21- AUGUST 3 successful World Championship in Germany, where Russia finished third, clearly showed, so Russia, for one, will be aiming to return to the top of the winner's podium again in August. One of the favorites to challenge Russia's supremacy are the hosts Italy. The first- time world champions will of course be tough to beat with the advantage of playing at home but coming off the back of their fantastic World Championship triumph in Germany last year they will also be out to prove they are no one-hit wonders. The likes of the USA, China (runner's up for the past two years) and Brazil are all expected to be in the running for the $1 Million prize package while Germany, following their third place last year, should also not be taken lightly. Italy, last year s World Champions will have the opportunity to perform well at home in this year's World Grand Prix From July 21 to August 3, Italy will be the theatre of dreams for the elite of women's volleyball when the 2003 World Grand Prix takes place in three gorgeous cities Matera, Gioia del Colle and Andria. A map of Southern Italy showing the three competition cities The stunningly attractive Matera and Gioia del Colle will play host to 12 of the best teams in women's volleyball in round robin play, before the World Grand Prix Finals are held in Andria on the striking Adriatic coast line. This year is a very special year for the World Grand Prix with this 11th edition of the most important annual women's event being hosted for the first time outside of Asia. With the number of teams also having increased from eight to 12, it is set to be a fantastic spectacle with the new competition format allowing for even more of the world's top teams to pit their skills against each other in top-flight competition and the new venue in Italy will allow the passion, excellence and fever of the World Grand Prix to unravel on an soil. The FIVB President Rubén Acosta said the decision to move the World Grand Prix due to the SARS epidemic wasn't easy. "Given our great respect for our traditional hosts, it was a difficult decision," said President Acosta. "Our first duty was to act responsibly from the overall health perspective, but we also have a strong responsibility to the best women's teams in the world." Now everyone involved in the tournament is looking forward to another volleyball extravaganza with this year's event due to be another excellent demonstration of the quality of women's volleyball in this crucial pre-olympic year. World number one Russia will be out to defend its title against a number of pretenders. The gap that separates the best teams is very narrow indeed, as last year's World Grand Prix and the highly Top action guaranteed in the 2003 World Grand Prix Cuba, USA, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan will play in Pool A while Thailand, Brazil, China, Canada, Korea and Russia face off in Pool B. Following the round robin pool play, the top three teams from each pool will join together to play off against each other in a final pool where the team with the most victories will walk away with the coveted title of World Grand Prix champion for It's all set for a wonderful tournament, in a wonderful format, sit back and enjoy. Download X-Press electronically from our website at: www. fivb.org/ FIVB FIVB X-Press X-Press N o 116 N o 103 JulyMay

4 BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHANGING THE POWER BASE OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL Watch out Brazil; here comes the rest of the World! The FIVB bids farewell to Mr. Sinan Erdem ( ) It is with great sadness that the International Volleyball Federation, under the leadership of President Dr. Rubén Acosta, has learned of the death of Mr. Sinan Erdem, former Member of the FIVB Executive Committee and former international Volleyball player. A gentle and friendly man who spoke fluent English and French as well as his native Turkish, Mr. Erdem died at the age of 76 after a long struggle with cancer. He was passionately engaged in sport and sports administration for most of his life. He played and captained the Turkish national volleyball team until his active career ended in 1957 and also enjoyed tennis. Germany's Markus Dieckmann stretches at the 2003 German Grand Slam in Berlin Among his many sports administrative positions, he served as President of the Turkish National Olympic committee and in 1988 was appointed as a Member of the International Olympic Committee. Mr. Erdem also led several campaigns by Istanbul to host the Summer Olympic Games. In ski racing, pretenders from non- Alpine countries are often called "Flat-Landers", which raises the question of whether Beach volleyball players from countries either without beaches, or at least with no beach culture, should perhaps be labeled "Dry-Landers", and these pretenders to Beach supremacy are more than ever in the limelight. What is evident as the 2003 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour men's competition advances is that while Brazil still has the edge, teams from other countries, including landlocked countries, are consistently steaming into contention for podium places. Nothing reflects this better than a glance at the World Rankings after the season's second Grand Slam in Marseille, France. Brazil soaks up places 1, 3 and 4, Switzerland takes places 2 and 8, Norway is fifth, Argentina is sixth, Germany seventh, Austria ninth and USA tenth. The trend is also evident, if not so advanced, in the women's contest, where the top ten rankings display teams from Australia, Netherlands, the Czech Republic and China joining Brazil and the USA. Considering the hold that Brazil and the USAhave had on the sport, this presents an interesting scenario for the coming Athens 2004 Olympic Games. It has also created a battle of attrition within nations for the coveted two spots per country for Olympic qualification. Now the Olympic qualification process is in full swing and it is not just the Brazilians and the Americans that are fighting it out for their Olympic tickets, the new countries also have depth of talent that will make their own internal struggle fierce indeed. After the Marseille Grand Slam, 12 countries were represented in the "Top 24" men's rankings list and 14 countries in the women's rankings. Swiss pair Stefan Kobel (L) and Patrick Heuscher at the 2003 Grand Slam in Berlin, Germany Olympic tickets are open to the 23 highest ranking teams on the FIVB World Rankings, but with a maximum of two per team. Greece, as host country has one vacancy and can have one extra team if they are included among the highest ranking teams. To preserve the universality principle of the Olympic Games, a wild card place has also been allocated for a continent that may not be represented through qualification. This would reduce the spots up for grabs to 22. A graduate in Law and Managing Director of a group of companies, Mr. Erdem was married with one daughter and one son. Mr. Erdem was appointed by Dr. Acosta to the committee that selected the "20th Century Best" players, coaches and other individuals that had made major contributions to the sport of Volleyball during the 20th Century and he will be sadly missed. Contributions made to the world of sport by Mr. Sinan Erdem Coach of the National Team; General Secretary of the Turkish Federation of Volleyball ( ); organizer of the 1967 an Volleyball Championships; member ( ) then Chairman ( ) of the Sports Organizing Committee of the FIVB; Jury member at the Olympic Games in Munich (1972); volleyball technical delegate at the Olympic Games from 1976 to 1984; member of the FIVB Council ( ); member (1965-) General Secretary ( ) then President of the NOC (1990-); member of the Mediterranean Games Technical Commission (1983-) then member of the Executive Board (1988-); official at all Olympic Games since Mexico (1968). For more news and updates visit our website at: www. fivb.org/ 4FIVB X-Press N o 116 July 2003

5 FIVB V O L L E Y B A L L VOLLEYBALL AROUND THE WORLD... Girl s U18 World Championship in Poland AVC praises achievements by Asian teams in World U-19 Champs The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) meeting in the Thai capital of Bangkok have praised the efforts of Asian teams in the just concluded Boys World U-19 Championship held in the Thai city of Suphan Buri. The team from India, who also won the Asian championship in this category earlier this year, finished second to Brazil, while Iran took the bronze medal. The two other competing teams from Asia - Thailand and China, finished a creditable sixth and ninth respectively. The performance of India at the World meet is a confirmation of their ascendancy in volleyball, as the Asian title was their first international success. Board Members agreed at the meeting that the achievements made by the Asian teams are, to a great extent, attributed to the FIVB's three development centers in Asia. But the meeting, at the same time, pointed out that one of the most serious challenges is to continue to lift the level of Asian volleyball. "Asia can't always stay behind, and we have all the necessary potential to upgrade our level," AVC President Wei Jizhong commented. The meeting unanimously concluded that more attention must be paid to youth players because they represent the hope of the future and are the foundation of the future national teams. Secondly, they pledged to make a concentrated effort to cultivate good coaches, not only for national teams, but also for junior, club and schools' coaches. Thirdly, they also decided to organize more regional competitions. Change of Dates for Volleyball Symposium in Cuba The Cuban Volleyball Federation and the Faculty of Physical Culture of Santiago de Cuba have advised that the dates of their planned open symposium on volleyball will now be held on December 4-7. The original dates for the seminar were November 6-9 and the new date is to allow for important volleyball figures to attend. The Symposium, which is open to physical education teachers, students, coaches, athletes and other interested people will cover all aspects of Volleyball and and the purpose is to share and exchange information and experiences in the two sporting disciplines in order to help further promote them. Those interested in participating are invited to submit a 200-word summary of their particular field of interest with title, author/s, samples or audio visual aids to be used in a presentation. These should be sent by or mail to the organizers listed below. Correspondence should be sent to: MSc. Isabel L. Hamze Ruiz, (Dean). Tel: +53 (22) ; isabel@iscf.esisc.colombus.cu, Dr.C. Amado J. Bode Yanes (Vice-Dean of Investigations, Improvement and Mas - tery).tel: +53 (22)646204; bode@iscf.esisc.colombus.cu MSc. José E. Pavón Ramírez (Teaching Vice-Dean Physical Culture Faculty of Las Dunas) pavon@ult.edu.cu The FIVB welcomes Poland as the new hosts of Girl s U18 World Championship which takes place on the 9-17th August. The following teams have qualified: Country Africa Asia Norceca South America Qualified Team Kenya Egypt China Thailand Chinese Taipei Croatia Belarus Hungary Italy Poland Russia Serbia & Montenegro Czech Republic Cuba Brazil Venezuela In an effort to lift the standard of volleyball, Professor Hiroshi Toyoda of the Japan Volleyball Association said his organization welcomes other nations, especially those from Asia, to send teams to a well equipped training center that the JVA has in Osaka, Japan. The JVA also plans to hold a coaches seminar and an administration course at the center, Professor Toyoda told the meeting. Story by Wang Yongsun, AVC Confederation Press Officer. Countdown to the beginning of the 2003 World Cups In November 2003, the world's best teams meet in Japan to contest the World Cup tournaments. The 12 teams (for men and for women) are made up of Japan, as the host country, the five 2003 Continental Champions and four best Vice-Champions, plus two wild card teams nominated jointly by FIVB and the Japan Volleyball Association. The top three teams directly qualifying for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Teams play a single-round robin format, in two parallel groups (Site A and Site B), with some teams switching to the other Site at the half way mark to accommodate matches with all teams. FIVB FIVB X-Press X-Press N o 116 N o 103 July May

6 V O L L E Y B A L L THAILAND STEPS UP TO HOST FIRST-EVER ASIAN U CHAMPS At the end of the day it was Taiwan that soared through the tournament without dropping a set to capture the inaugural Asian title when in the final they scored a convincing three-set victory over spirited North Korea winning 3-0 ( ). Taiwan's Kou Nai Han was voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player Final Standings Taiwan North Korea Thailand Vietnam Hong Kong Malaysia Pattani s Governor Somporn Chaybangyang hits a gong to mark the official opening of the first Asian Height-Limit 1.75m s Volleyball Championship in Thailand Date of AVC General Assembly changed Thailand, this year's "gold medalist" in hosting international volleyball competitions in June stepped up to stage the first ever intercontinental tournament in the FIVB's new Height Limit category, affectionately fast becoming known as "U" volleyball. The event pitted Asian women's teams against each other to decide the inaugural Asian 's U-175 Champion. To compete, all players had to be no taller than 175cm. According to statistics, about 97% of the six billion world population grows no taller than 1.85 m for men and 1.75 m for women. As the modern game attracts very tall players, this new category will open up top-level competition to a vast number of new players. This category, which introduces a competition for men under 185cm and women under 175cm (thus U-175 and U-185 volleyball) was unanimously and very enthusiastically received by the FIVB 2002 World Congress. It is of great credit to the Thailand Volleyball Association that they responded to a decision by the Sports Organizing Committee of the Asian Volleyball Association (AVC) and agreed to stage the first-ever continental championship All affiliated Federations of AVC were invited to participate in the tournament held in the southern Thai city of Pattani on June 24-30, however due to the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Asia, powerhouses such as China, South Korea and Japan were absent leaving Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, North Korea and hosts Thailand to contest the title. Thailand team during their visit to Wat Chamg hai performing a wai to the sacred Luang Phu Tuat. The AVC Board of Administration decided that the 15th AVC General Assembly, which was scheduled to be held on September 17 in Ho Chi Ming City of Vietnam, will now be held on September 26, The AVC Board made its decision at its just-concluded meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. AVC President Wei Jizhong said the change of date will provide delegates to the AVC General Assembly the chance to watch the finals of the Asian Senior 's Volleyball Championship to be held in Ho Chi Ming city from September The final will take place on September 27. It is learned from the AVC Board meeting, the most important topics on the Agenda of the General Assembly are: to amend the AVC constitution, and discuss measures to improve the level of Asian Volleyball and how to implement strictly and completely the FIVB "Volleyball Vision 2008". For more news and updates visit our website at: www. fivb.org/ 6FIVB X-Press N o 116 July 2003

7 V O L L E Y B A L L VOLLEYBALL AROUND THE WORLD... New national coach for Serbia and Montenegro The Serbia and Montenegro Volleyball Federation have announced the appointment of a new head coach for the men's national team. Ljubomir Travica takes up his appointment and will begin preparations with the national squad for the an Championship in Germany (Sept 5-14). Travica replaces Veselin Vukovic who leaves his post after being unable to reach agreement with the federation concerning the national training program. Travica was and is still in the service of the Greek club Olympiakos, but the club and the Serbia and Montenegro National Federation have come to an agreement to accommodate both roles. Fourth Japanese to enter U.S. Volleyball Hall of Fame Japan s former player Jungo Morita is to be inducted into the U.S. Volleyball Hall of Fame, the Kyodo News Agency has reported from Tokyo. Morita, now 55, was a central member of Japan s gold medalist team from the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany and will become the fourth Japanese player to be honored by the U.S.-based institution. He follows Yasutaka Matsudaira, Hirofumi Daimatsu, both coaches and Takako Shirai, a member of the women s team that won gold at Montreal in the 1976 Olympics and sulver at Munich in Morita is the first male Japanese player to join the historic club, formed in 1971 and with headquarters in Massachusetts. Egypt wins four nation tournament The Egyptian men's national team won the International four teams championship held in Cairo after beating Portugal's second team 3-2 on the final day. After three days of competition Egypt A went through the tournament undefeated having already beaten Egypt B and Russia by 3-2 and 3-1 respectively on the opening two days. Russia, who had earlier beaten Portugal on day one by 3-2, finished second defeating the Egyptian U21 side 3-2 for their second win of the tournament while Egypt B finished third with one win over Portugal (3-0), who finished fourth. The competition showed an advanced performance for both Egyptian teams against two big an teams, especially the Under 21 team who are preparing for the s U-21 World Championship in Iran next month. The win helped ensure Egypt worked on a number of game plans and improved their fitness before the African Gala Championship in Nigeria, which runs from July 19-21, and the African Nations championship next month. Portugal and Russia both left Cairo for Nigeria with the Egyptian A team to participate in the African Gala Championship to be held in Abuja. The results were as follows: First day: Russia-Portugal 3-2 Egypt A-Egypt B 3-2 Second day: Egypt B-Portugal 3-0 Egypt A-Russia 3-1 Third day: Russia-Egypt B 3-2 Egypt A-Portugal 3-2 France name new assistant coach The French Volleyball Association has announced that Roberto Sernioti from Italy will replace Glenn Hoag as the new assistant coach to Philippe Blain with the national team. Hoag, the former coach of Paris Volley, returned to Canada at the end of the last season but will return to accompany the French team at the an Championships in Germany later this year in a role yet to be specified. Forty-one-year-old Sernioti, who has been the coach at the Italian club Cuneo for 12 years, which included a stint with Blain, started in his role with the French team recently but will continue to coach at Cuneo in 2003/2004. It was in 1992/1993 when Sernioti first coached along side Blain and they took their team to seventh in the Italian Championship. Africa FIVB FIVB FIVB FIVB Africa Norceca Norceca VOLLEYBALLCOMPETITIONS AROUND THE WORLD IN AUGUST 2003 African Nations Championship (senior) World Grand Prix Finals Girls Junior World Championships U20 Under 18 an Championships Junior s Balkam Championships Girl s Under 18 World Championship s Open German Team International Friendles s Open World University Games s U21 World Championship African Nations Championship (senior) FIVB Beach Satelite Event America s Cup U18 Beach Championships Senior an Championships German Team International Friendlies Pan-American Sports Games (PASO) Girls / / / / / / August 1-10 August 6-10 August 3-17 August 7-10 August August 9-17 August August August August August August August August 24 - Sept August August August August Cairo Italy Malysia Brno Yugoslavia Poland Maoming Czech Republic Bali Korea Tehran Nairobi Lavandou Brazil Thailand Alanya Münster/Trier Dominican Republic FIVB X-Press N o 116 July

8 Brian Gimmillaro Named All-Time Great Coach by USA Volleyball Confederation News V O L L E Y B A L L EXCLUSIVE MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT FOR Long Beach State University women's volleyball head coach Brian Gimmillaro (pictured left) is this year's recipient of the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award. In receiving the 2003 Donald S. Shondell Contemporary Division Award, Gimmillaro joins the company of the best volleyball coaches in history, including previous Olympic coaches as well as a few of his peers. The award is presented each year by USAVolleyball, the National Governing Body of the sport, to recognize the all-time great coaches of volleyball. Regarded as one of the top volleyball minds in the country, Gimmillaro will begin his 19th season with "The Beach" later this year. The former Long Beach State graduate has taken the 49ers to new heights as one of the most successful volleyball programs over the past decade and a half. Including the 2002 campaign, Gimmillaro has amassed an impressive 822 winning percentage ( ) over 18 seasons. Against one of the toughest conferences in the country, the Big West, The Beach have won 78.5 percent (245-67) of their games, including eight conference crowns. In 1989, 1991 and 1994 Gimmillaro was named one of eight AVCA Regional Coaches of the Year. USA Volleyball's All-Time Great Coaches List: Donald S. Shondell Contemporary Division 1995-Doug Beal, Al Scates 1996-Marilyn McReavy-Nolen, Don Shondell 1997-Linda Dollar 1998-No award presented 1999-Marv Dunphy, Arie Selinger 2000-Andy Banachowski, Carl McGown 2001-Elaine Michaelis 2002-Dave Shoji 2003-Brian Gimmillaro VOLLEYBALLS MIKASA MVP200 (color) Exclusive Game Ball for: all FIVB Competitions incl. OG 2004 MIKASA MVL200 color VL200 (MGV5) (white) MOLTEN IV58L(MTV5) (white) IV58LC (MTV5IT) (color) IV5XC (MTV5SLIT) (color, synthetic leather) GALA BV 5091L(color) BV 5091S (color, synthetic leather) MONDO Volleyball VBL-5 (white) CAMBUCI Penalty Volley Pro 6.0 (color) QINGDAO-SYNSHEEN "Star" VB (color) WILSON "Reaction" (white, leather) INSPECTED BALLS (Formerly Recommended Balls) MONDO Mondo Volley VS-T5 K-Concept Mondo Mini Volley BEACH VOLLEYBALLS MIKASA VLS 200 (color) Beach MOLTEN VBOS (HSBV5) (color) Beach HOMOLOGATED POSTS, PADS ANTENNAE, NETS, REF.CHAIRS SENOH Posts, pads, nets with antennae & referees' chairs exclusive for all : FIVB competitions, incl. OG 2004 SHOES AND UNIFORMS OLYMPIKUS Exclusivity for : Instructors, International Referees, Line Judges & Scorers all FIVB Competitions incl. OG 2004 Seminars & Courses ADIDAS ASICS CHAMPION uniforms DACAPO uniforms DESCENTE FNC KOLON uniforms MIKASA uniforms MIZUNO NIKE, INC. SPEEDO Uniforms for International Referees, Line Judges, Scorers, Officials & Players for BEACH WORLD TOUR and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SYNTHETIC FLOORS (FIVB APPROVED) MONDO exclusive for all : FIVB competitions incl. OG 2004 Mondoflex Blue Laguna H23 + Rose Flamingo H41 TARAFLEX Taraflex sport M 6431 Teal-6146 Coral Taraflex sport 3D (same colors) SYNTHETIC FLOORS (Recommended) MONDO Mondosport HP-E PVC indoor floor Blue Laguna H23 + Rose Flamingo H41 FIVB X-Press Monthly information of the FIVB Av. de la Gare 12 CH-1003 Lausanne Printed in Switzerland FIVB founded in 1947 President Dr. Rubén Acosta H. Tel Fax WebSite: f i v b. o rg/ info@fivb.org Editor: Communication Dpt. N FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003