New local volley body gets FIVB ok

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) can now fully carry out all of its programs in the country after getting the blessing of the world-governing International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

One of those plans is to make volleyball a widely played sport, something which PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara will do by using a federation-organized national league that will stake a national championship.

“Now, our work begins to fulfill our singular commitment to all stakeholders. At PNVF, we serve volleyball,” said Suzara.

Members of the FIVB unanimously voted for the affiliation of the PNVF late Sunday evening with a total of 155 national federations out of a possible 190 votes approving the FIVB recognition of the PNVF.

Suzara and the top management of the PNVF have prepared a 10-point strategy they intend to immediately implement after getting the FIVB nod, including bringing world-class volleyball action to the country and providing more opportunities to the Filipino youth by strengthening the federation’s grassroots initiatives.

It was through the efforts of Suzara that the Philippines witnessed the best women volleyball players in the world during the 1990s when he organized the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in Manila, where Brazilian Leila Barros won the hearts of Filipinos.

Through the years, volleyball has gained prominence locally with collegiate players seeing action in two leagues—the Philippine Volleyball League and Philippine Super Liga—that simultaneously gave them fame and livelihood.

“We now proudly banner the honor and the responsibility of being affiliated to both the international federation and the Asian Volleyball Federation,” said Suzara, who the Philippine Olympic Committee for helping unite the sport’ stakeholders of the sport.