GENEVA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Volleyball Foundation will be engaged deeply with the sport's grassroots to give back and leverage volleyball for societal improvement, Ary S. Graca, the FIVB and Volleyball Foundation President, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
The Volleyball Foundation, launched in May, is a further step taken after volleyball's governing body FIVB has invested over CHF 30 million (about 33.92 million U.S. dollars) across 199 countries and regions through 1,075 projects.
"The Volleyball Foundation's vision extends far beyond promoting elite volleyball competitions. It aims to shape a greater world through volleyball. By greater world, we mean a world that is more inclusive, more collaborative, more harmonious, and healthier," stated Graca.
"Ultimately, we needed to connect, serve and inspire global communities through volleyball to improve society," Graca added.
Although newly founded, the Foundation already has two pilot projects: the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) in Assam, India, and the Githurai Kimbo Volleyball Academy in Nairobi, Kenya.
These projects have significantly impacted residents' lives, bringing joy and hope to many children and showcasing how volleyball can help forge a brighter future, according to Graca.
The BVL now has over 10,000 children participating. In its fourth season, it covered 158 villages across 28 districts and hosted nearly 900 matches. It serves as a beacon of hope in Assam, allowing children to experience the joys of volleyball, stay healthy and active, and expand their worlds by traveling beyond their villages.
Meanwhile, the Githurai Kimbo Volleyball Academy acts as a community club that offers a safe haven for the youth of Githurai 45, one of Nairobi's most challenging slums, through volleyball.
The academy aims to nurture talents and provide life skills, quality education, and equal opportunities. Its players have become role models, helping transform their community from a slum to a hub of volleyball talent.
"We look forward to supporting more transformative initiatives like these through the Foundation to enhance their impact further," said Graca.
Up to the launch event on May 30, the Foundation raised a total of CHF 559,000 through donations and a charity auction to support impactful volleyball projects worldwide.
With the current engagement of 800 million people in volleyball, the Foundation aims to double this reach, targeting an ambitious expansion to 1.6 billion individuals. It also commits to providing youth from different areas opportunities to learn and grow through volleyball.
"By connecting and serving local communities through our projects, we strive to give everyone, no matter their background, the chance for a better life through volleyball. The Foundation believes in the power of sport to transform lives," Graca added. ■
