Find out more at www.fivb.org F É D É R ATION INTERNATIONALE DE VOLLEYBALL N o 116 July 2003 English edition FIVB $15 million World League: A superb climax to a superb edition Brazil celebrate their 2003 World League title at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid www.fivb.org/ For more news and updates visit our website at: www. fivb.org/ 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 spectac- ular 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: 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 31-29 after 111 minutes 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 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. But as well as a superb final, the 14th edi- tion 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 participat- ing teams, has evolved into an essential annual competition and continues to be a unique opportunity for them all to meet in top competition. "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."
Transcript
Find out more at www.fivb.org
F É D É R AT ION INTERNATIONALE DE VOLLEYBALL
No 116July 2003English edition
FIVB $15 million World League: A superb climax to a superb edition
Brazil celebrate their 2003 World League title at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid
www.fivb.org/For more news and updates visitour website at: www. fivb.org/
When the world's two best teams clash inthe final of the elite men's annual volleyball tournament, it is bound to be spectacular. But when Brazil met Serbiaand Montenegro in the final of the 14thedition the result was more than spectac-ular and produced almost two hours of electrifying volleyball. It was a matchthat Spain, the hosts, and millions aroundthe world will think of as one of the greatest matches ever.
Brazil triumphed in the end, promptingwild celebrations among the team andspectators as their captain, Nalbert Bitencourt, raced across the court, leaptonto a reporter's work bench and salutedthe Brazilian fans who had dressed forthe carnival and come out in force to urgetheir team to glory.
When the music and wild cheering haddied down a tone and the players hadbegun to realize what they had achieved,Brazil's coach Bernardo Rezende put thevictory of the World Champions over theOlympic champions in perfect contextwhen he said:
The final was contested at Madrid's Palacio Vistalegre, a venue also used forbullfighting that has seen its share ofmonumental clashes and drama. Spanishfans, who well supported their ownteam, which, led by the charismaticRafael (Rafa) Pascual, finished in a creditable fifth place, came out in force tocelebrate the final. Joined by a large contingent of colorful Brazilians, theycontrived to make the rafters ring, whilejugglers, break dancers, entertainers andSpain's own Little Black Bull "Torito" allcontributed to the carnival atmosphere.
The match went to arguably the mostthrilling tiebreaker ever with Brazilfinally prevailing 31-29 after 111 minutes
of an enormously courageous encounter.It was a superb climax to a superb 14thedition.
Brazil and Serbia and Montenegrorepresent 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, fightingspirit and a never-say-die approach thatguarantees it will be thrilling until thefinal whistle. Both teams exited the tournament occupying first and secondplace in the FIVB World Rankings andafter their first-ever clash in the final of amajor international competition, withenormous respect for each other.
Brazil was the winner, but in such atiebreaker, where match points weretraded with unprecedented ferocity, theyleft the court acutely aware of how closeSerbia and Montenegro came to stealingtheir glorious moment.
But as well as a superb final, the 14th edi-tion brought with it some surprises.Newcomers the Czech Republic, who,together with Bulgaria, were late startersto the 14th edition after coming in toreplace Argentina and China. They notonly won their Intercontinental RoundPool convincingly, but then blazed a trailthrough to the semifinals before finallybeing beaten by volleyball powerhouseItaly. Bulgaria, coming back to the WorldLeague after a four-year absence andlooking in superb athletic form did notmake the final four but went out in ablaze of glory when they eliminatedtitle-holders Russia in the last match of
their preliminary pool.
The World League, for the 16 participat-ing teams, has evolved into anessential annual competitionand continues to be a uniqueopportunity for them all tomeet in top competition.
"Sometimes in such a tiebreakmaybe there should be a pointwhere we put up our hands and
declare both teams the winner. Butsport is not like that and
neverthless I want to say thatSerbia and Montenegro are
great champions."
2 FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003
V O L L E Y B A L L
2003 WORLD LEAGUE PHOTO GALLERY
Brazil celebrate their triumph!
Brazilian captain Nalbert Bitencourtwith the honours
Over 10, 000 spectators turned up at thePalacio Vistalegre in Madrid for the 2003
World League finals
So close: A hugely disappointed Slobodan Boskan
(Serbia and Montenegro)
Top spiker: Martin Lebl of the CzechRepublic unleashes another spike
against Alessandro Fei (Italy)
Celebration time for Brazil
Nalbert spikes into Goran Vujevic,Andrija Geric and Serbia and
Montenegro captain Nikola Grbic
Brazilian supporters in the crowd
Luis Pedro Suela from Spain receives
Final Round Standings
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
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FIVB X-Press No 103 May 2002FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003 3
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 thetheatre of dreams for the elite of women'svolleyball when the 2003 World GrandPrix takes place in three gorgeous citiesMatera, Gioia del Colle and Andria.
The stunningly attractive Matera andGioia del Colle will play host to 12 of thebest teams in women's volleyball inround robin play, before the World GrandPrix Finals are held in Andria on the strik-ing Adriatic coast line.
This year is a very special year for theWorld Grand Prix with this 11th edition
of the most important annual women'sevent being hosted for the first time outside of Asia.
With the number of teams also havingincreased from eight to 12, it is set to be afantastic spectacle with the new compe-tition format allowing for even moreof the world's top teams to pit their skills against each other in top-flight competition and the new venue in Italywill allow the passion, excellence andfever of the World Grand Prix to unravelon European soil.
The FIVB President Rubén Acosta saidthe decision to move the World GrandPrix due to the SARS epidemic wasn'teasy. "Given our great respect for our traditional hosts, it was a difficultdecision," said President Acosta. "Ourfirst duty was to act responsibly from theoverall health perspective, but we alsohave a strong responsibility to the bestwomen's teams in the world."
Now everyone involved in the tournament is looking forward toanother volleyball extravaganza withthis year's event due to be another excellent demonstration of the quality ofwomen's volleyball in this crucial pre-Olympic year.
World number one Russia will be out todefend its title against a number of pretenders. The gap that separates thebest teams is very narrow indeed, as lastyear's World Grand Prix and the highly
successful World Championship in Ger-many, where Russia finished third,clearly showed, so Russia, for one, will beaiming to return to the top of the winner'spodium again in August.
One of the favorites to challenge Russia'ssupremacy are the hosts Italy. The first- time world champions will ofcourse be tough to beat with the advan-tage of playing at home but coming offthe back of their fantastic World Champi-onship triumph in Germany last yearthey will also be out to prove they are noone-hit wonders. The likes of the USA,China (runner's up for the past twoyears) and Brazil are all expected to be inthe running for the $1 Million prize package while Germany, following theirthird place last year, should also not betaken lightly.
Cuba, USA, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan will play in PoolA 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 willjoin together to play off against eachother in a final pool where the team withthe most victories will walk away withthe coveted title of World Grand Prixchampion for 2003.
It's all set for a wonderful tournament, ina wonderful format, sit back and enjoy.
Top action guaranteed in the 2003 World Grand Prix
A map of Southern Italy showing the three competition cities
4 FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
CHANGING THE POWER BASE OF BEACH VOLLEYBALLWatch out Brazil; here comes the rest of the World!
The FIVB bids farewell to Mr. Sinan Erdem (1927-2003)
It is with great sadness that the Inter-national Volleyball Federation, underthe leadership of President Dr. RubénAcosta, 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 spokefluent English and French as well as hisnative Turkish, Mr. Erdem died at theage of 76 after a long struggle with cancer. He was passionately engaged insport and sports administration for mostof his life. He played and captained theTurkish national volleyball team untilhis active career ended in 1957 and alsoenjoyed tennis.
Among his many sports administrativepositions, he served as President of theTurkish National Olympic committeeand in 1988 was appointed as a Memberof the International Olympic Com-mittee. Mr. Erdem also led several campaigns by Istanbul to host the Summer Olympic Games.
A graduate in Law and Managing Director of a group of companies, Mr. Erdem was married with onedaughter and one son.
Mr. Erdem was appointed by Dr. Acostato the committee that selected the "20thCentury Best" players, coaches andother individuals that had made majorcontributions to the sport of Volleyballduring the 20th Century and he will besadly missed.
Contributions made to the world ofsport by Mr. Sinan Erdem Coach of theNational Team; General Secretary of theTurkish Federation of Volleyball (1958-1967); organizer of the 1967 EuropeanVolleyball Championships; member(1966-1972) then Chairman (1972-1984)of the Sports Organizing Committee ofthe FIVB; Jury member at the OlympicGames in Munich (1972); volleyballtechnical delegate at the OlympicGames from 1976 to 1984; member of theFIVB Council (1978-1986); member(1965-) General Secretary (1982-1989)then President of the NOC (1990-); mem-ber of the Mediterranean Games Techni-cal Commission (1983-) then member ofthe Executive Board (1988-); official at allOlympic Games since Mexico (1968) .
Swiss pair Stefan Kobel (L) and PatrickHeuscher at the 2003 Grand Slam in
Berlin, Germany
Germany's Markus Dieckmann stretches at the 2003 German Grand Slam in Berlin
In ski racing, pretenders from non-Alpine countries are often called "Flat-Landers", which raises the questionof whether Beach volleyball players fromcountries either without beaches, or atleast with no beach culture, should perhaps be labeled "Dry-Landers", andthese pretenders to Beach supremacy aremore than ever in the limelight.
What is evident as the 2003 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour men's competition advances is that while Brazilstill has the edge, teams from other coun-tries, including landlocked countries, areconsistently steaming into contention forpodium places. Nothing reflects thisbetter than a glance at the World Rankings after the season's second GrandSlam in Marseille, France. Brazil soaks upplaces 1, 3 and 4,
Switzerland takes places 2 and 8, Norwayis fifth, Argentina is sixth, Germany seventh, Austria ninth and USA tenth.The trend is also evident, if not soadvanced, in the women's contest, wherethe top ten rankings display teams fromAustralia, Netherlands, the CzechRepublic and China joining Brazil andthe USA.
Considering the hold that Brazil and theUSAhave had on the sport, this presentsan interesting scenario for the comingAthens 2004 Olympic Games. It has alsocreated a battle of attrition within nationsfor the coveted two spots per country for
Olympic qualification. Now the Olympicqualification process is in full swing andit is not just the Brazilians and the Americans that are fighting it out for theirOlympic tickets, the new countries alsohave depth of talent that will make theirown internal struggle fierce indeed. After the Marseille Grand Slam, 12 countries were represented in the "Top24" men's rankings list and 14 countries inthe women's rankings.
Olympic tickets are open to the 23 highest ranking teams on the FIVB WorldRankings, but with a maximum of twoper team. Greece, as host country has onevacancy and can have one extra team ifthey are included among the highestranking teams. To preserve the universality principle of the OlympicGames, a wild card place has also beenallocated for a continent that may not berepresented through qualification. Thiswould reduce the spots up for grabs to 22.
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FIVB X-Press No 103 May 2002FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003 5
FIVB
V O L L E Y B A L L
VOLLEYBALL AROUND THE WORLD...........
AVC praises achievements by Asian teams in World U-19 Champs
The Asian Volleyball Confederation(AVC) meeting in the Thai capital ofBangkok have praised the efforts of Asianteams in the just concluded Boys WorldU-19 Championship held in the Thai cityof Suphan Buri.
The team from India, who also won theAsian championship in this category earlier this year, finished second to Brazil,while Iran took the bronze medal.
The two other competing teams fromAsia - Thailand and China, finished a creditable sixth and ninth respectively.The performance of India at the Worldmeet is a confirmation of their ascen-dancy in volleyball, as the Asian title wastheir first international success.
Board Members agreed at the meetingthat the achievements made by the Asianteams are, to a great extent, attributed tothe FIVB's three development centers inAsia. But the meeting, at the same time,pointed out that one of the most seriouschallenges is to continue to lift the level ofAsian volleyball.
"Asia can't always stay behind, and wehave all the necessary potential toupgrade our level," AVC President WeiJizhong commented.
The meeting unanimously concludedthat more attention must be paid to youthplayers because they represent the hopeof the future and are the foundation of thefuture national teams. Secondly, theypledged to make a concentrated effort tocultivate good coaches, not only fornational teams, but also for junior, cluband schools' coaches. Thirdly, they alsodecided to organize more regional competitions.
In an effort to lift the standard of volleyball, Professor Hiroshi Toyoda ofthe Japan Volleyball Association said hisorganization welcomes other nations,especially those from Asia, to send teamsto a well equipped training center that theJVA has in Osaka, Japan. The JVA alsoplans to hold a coaches seminar and anadministration course at the center,Professor Toyoda told the meeting. Storyby Wang Yongsun, AVC ConfederationPress Officer.
Girl’s U18 World Championship in Poland
The FIVB welcomesPoland as the new hostsof Girl’s U18 WorldChampionship whichtakes place on the 9-17thAugust.
The following teams have qualified:
Country Qualified Team
AfricaKenya
Egypt
Asia
China
Thailand
Chinese Taipei
Europe
Croatia
Belarus
Hungary
Italy
Poland
Russia
Serbia & Montenegro
Czech Republic
Norceca Cuba
South AmericaBrazil
Venezuela
Countdown to the beginning of the 2003 World Cups
In November 2003, the world's best teams meet in Japan to contest the World Cuptournaments. The 12 teams (for men and for women) are made up of Japan, as thehost 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 asingle-round robin format, in two parallel groups (Site A and Site B), with someteams switching to the other Site at the half way mark to accommodate matches withall teams.
Change of Dates for Volleyball Symposium in Cuba
The Cuban Volleyball Federation and theFaculty of Physical Culture of Santiagode Cuba have advised that the dates oftheir planned open symposium on volleyball will now be held on December4-7. The original dates for the seminarwere November 6-9 and the new date isto allow for important volleyball figuresto attend.
The Symposium, which is open to physical education teachers, students,coaches, athletes and other interestedpeople will cover all aspects of Volleyballand Beach Volleyball and the purpose isto share and exchange information andexperiences in the two sporting disci-plines in order to help further promotethem.
Those interested in participating areinvited to submit a 200-word summary oftheir particular field of interest with title,author/s, samples or audio visual aids tobe used in a presentation. These shouldbe sent by email or mail to the organizerslisted below.
Correspondence should be sent to:MSc. Isabel L. Hamze Ruiz, (Dean). Tel: +53 (22) 642730;
email: [email protected], Dr.C. Amado J. Bode Yanes (Vice-Dean ofInvestigations, Improvement and Mas -tery).Tel: +53 (22)646204;
THAILAND STEPS UP TO HOST FIRST-EVER ASIAN “U” CHAMPS
6 FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003
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Pattani’s Governor Somporn Chaybangyang hits a gong to mark the official opening ofthe first Asian Height-Limit 1.75m Women’s Volleyball Championship in Thailand
Thailand team during their visit to WatChamg hai performing a “wai” to the
sacred “ Luang Phu Tuat”.
Thailand, this year's "gold medalist" inhosting international volleyball competi-tions in June stepped up to stage the firstever intercontinental tournament in theFIVB's new Height Limit category, affec-tionately fast becoming known as "U"volleyball.
The event pitted Asian women's teamsagainst each other to decide the inau-gural Asian Women's U-175 Champion.To compete, all players had to be no tallerthan 175cm.
According to statistics, about 97% of thesix billion world population grows notaller than 1.85 m for men and 1.75 m forwomen. As the modern game attractsvery tall players, this new category willopen up top-level competition to a vastnumber of new players.
This category, which introduces a compe-tition for men under 185cm and womenunder 175cm (thus U-175 and U-185 volleyball) was unanimously andvery enthusiastically received by theFIVB 2002 World Congress. It is of greatcredit to the Thailand Volleyball Association that they responded to adecision by the Sports Organizing
Committee of the Asian Volleyball Association (AVC) and agreed to stagethe first-ever continental championship
All affiliated Federations of AVC wereinvited to participate in the tournamentheld in the southern Thai city of Pattanion June 24-30, however due to the outbreak of the Severe Acute RespiratorySyndrome (SARS) in Asia, powerhousessuch as China, South Korea and Japanwere absent leaving Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, North Koreaand hosts Thailand to contest the title.
At the end of the day it was Taiwan thatsoared through the tournament withoutdropping a set to capture the inauguralAsian title when in the final they scored aconvincing three-set victory over spiritedNorth Korea winning 3-0 (25-23 25-19 25-20). Taiwan's Kou Nai Han was voted thetournament's Most Valuable Player
Final Standings
Taiwan
North Korea
Thailand
Vietnam
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Date of AVC General Assembly changed
The AVC Board of Administrationdecided that the 15th AVC GeneralAssembly, which was scheduled to beheld on September 17 in Ho Chi MingCity of Vietnam, will now be held on September 26, 2003.
The AVC Board made its decision at itsjust-concluded meeting in Bangkok,Thailand. AVC President Wei Jizhongsaid the change of date will provide delegates to the AVC General Assemblythe chance to watch the finals of the AsianSenior Women's Volleyball Cham-pionship to be held in Ho Chi Ming cityfrom September 20-27. The final will takeplace on September 27.
It is learned from the AVC Boardmeeting, the most important topics onthe Agenda of the General Assembly are:to amend the AVC constitution, and discuss measures to improve the level ofAsian Volleyball and how to implementstrictly and completely the FIVB"Volleyball Vision 2008".
V O L L E Y B A L L
VOLLEYBALL AROUND THE WORLD.........
7FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003
VOLLEYBALLCOMPETITIONS AROUND THE WORLD IN AUGUST 2003
African Nations Championship (senior)World Grand Prix FinalsGirls Junior World Championships U20Under 18 European Beach Volleyball ChampionshipsJunior Men’s Balkam ChampionshipsGirl’s Under 18 World ChampionshipBeach Volleyball Women’s OpenGerman Team International FriendlesBeach Volleyball Women’s OpenWorld University GamesMen’s U21 World ChampionshipAfrican Nations Championship (senior)FIVB Beach Satelite EventAmerica’s CupU18 Beach ChampionshipsSenior European Beach Volleyball ChampionshipsGerman Team International FriendliesPan-American Sports Games (PASO)
MenWomen
GirlsMen/Women
MenWomenWomen
MenWomen
Men/WomenMen
WomenMen/Women
MenMen/WomenMen/Women
MenMen/Women
August 1-10August 6-10August 3-17August 7-10 August 11-17August 9-17August 13-17August 18-24August 20.24August 21-31August 23-31August 23-30August 23-25
August 24 - SeptAugust 27-30August 28-31August 30 - 31
August
CairoItaly
MalysiaBrno
YugoslaviaPoland
MaomingCzech Republic
BaliKoreaTehranNairobi
LavandouBrazil
ThailandAlanya
Münster/TrierDominican Republic
a number of game plans and improvedtheir fitness before the African GalaChampionship in Nigeria, which runsfrom July 19-21, and the African Nations’championship next month.
Portugal and Russia both left Cairo forNigeria with the Egyptian A team to participate in the African Gala Cham-pionship to be held in Abuja. The resultswere as follows:
· First day: Russia-Portugal 3-2 EgyptA-Egypt B 3-2 · Second day: Egypt B-Portugal 3-0 EgyptA-Russia 3-1 · Third day: Russia-Egypt B 3-2 Egypt A-Portugal 3-2
France name new assistant coach
The French Volleyball Association hasannounced that Roberto Sernioti fromItaly will replace Glenn Hoag as the newassistant coach to Philippe Blain with thenational team.
Hoag, the former coach of Paris Volley,returned to Canada at the end of the lastseason but will return to accompany theFrench team at the European Championships in Germany later thisyear in a role yet to be specified.
Forty-one-year-old Sernioti, who hasbeen the coach at the Italian club Cuneofor 12 years, which included a stint withBlain, started in his role with the Frenchteam recently but will continue to coachat Cuneo in 2003/2004. It was in1992/1993 when Sernioti first coachedalong side Blain and they took their teamto seventh in the Italian Championship.
New national coach for Serbia andMontenegro
The Serbia and Montenegro VolleyballFederation have announced the appoint-ment of a new head coach for the men'snational team.
Ljubomir Travica takes up his appoint-ment and will begin preparations withthe national squad for the EuropeanChampionship in Germany (Sept 5-14).
Travica replaces Veselin Vukovic wholeaves his post after being unable toreach agreement with the federationconcerning the national training program.
Travica was and is still in the service ofthe Greek club Olympiakos, but the cluband the Serbia and Montenegro NationalFederation have come to an agreement toaccommodate both roles.
Fourth Japanese to enter U.S. Volleyball Hall of Fame
Japan’s former player Jungo Morita is tobe inducted into the U.S. Volleyball Hallof Fame, the Kyodo News Agency hasreported from Tokyo.
Morita, now 55, was a central member ofJapan’s gold medalist team from the 1972Olympic Games in Munich, Germanyand will become the fourth Japaneseplayer to be honored by the U.S.-based
institution.
He follows Yasutaka Matsudaira, Hiro-fumi Daimatsu, both coaches and TakakoShirai, a member of the women’s teamthat won gold at Montreal in the 1976Olympics and sulver at Munich in 1972.
Morita is the first male Japanese player tojoin the historic club, formed in 1971 andwith headquarters in Massachusetts.
Egypt wins four nation tournament
The Egyptian men's national team wonthe International four teams cham-pionship held in Cairo after beating Por-tugal's second team 3-2 on the final day.
After three days of competition Egypt Awent through the tournament unde-feated having already beaten Egypt B andRussia by 3-2 and 3-1 respectively on theopening two days.
Russia, who had earlier beaten Portugalon day one by 3-2, finished second defeating the Egyptian U21 side 3-2 fortheir second win of the tournament whileEgypt B finished third with one win overPortugal (3-0), who finished fourth. Thecompetition showed an advanced performance for both Egyptian teamsagainst two big European teams, especially the Under 21 team who arepreparing for the Men’s U-21 WorldChampionship in Iran next month. The win helped ensure Egypt worked on
Confederation News
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. +41 21 345 35 35 • Fax +41 21 345 35 45 • WebSite: http://www. f i v b . o rg/ • E-mail: [email protected] • Editor: Communication Dpt. • N° 116 2003
8 FIVB X-Press No 116 July 2003
V O L L E Y B A L L
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Brian Gimmillaro Named All-Time Great Coach by USA Volleyball
Long Beach State University women'svolleyball head coachBrian Gimmillaro(pictured left) is thisyear's recipient of theUSA Volleyball All-Time Great CoachAward.
In receiving the 2003 Donald S. ShondellContemporary Division Award, Gimmil-laro joins the company of the best volleyball coaches in history, includingprevious Olympic coaches as well as afew of his peers. The award is presentedeach year by USAVolleyball, the NationalGoverning Body of the sport, to recog-nize the all-time great coaches of volley-ball.
Regarded as one of the top volleyballminds in the country, Gimmillaro willbegin his 19th season with "The Beach"later this year. The former Long BeachState graduate has taken the 49ers to newheights as one of the most successful volleyball programs over the past decadeand a half.
Including the 2002 campaign, Gimmillaro has amassed an impressive822 winning percentage (510-110) over 18seasons. 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 wasnamed one of eight AVCA RegionalCoaches of the Year.
USA Volleyball's All-Time Great CoachesList:
Donald S. Shondell ContemporaryDivision
1995-Doug Beal, Al Scates1996-Marilyn McReavy-Nolen, DonShondell1997-Linda Dollar1998-No award presented1999-Marv Dunphy, Arie Selinger2000-Andy Banachowski, Carl McGown2001-Elaine Michaelis2002-Dave Shoji2003-Brian Gimmillaro
