Tokyo, April 5, 2006: Trophy-winners at this year's World Championships in Japan will have the honour of receiving their awards from the FIVB President, Dr Ruben Acosta.
Dr Acosta celebrated his 72nd birthday on April 4 by reaffirming his commitment to the development of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, which is underscored by his candidature for a further four-year term as President of the FIVB at the 30th FIVB Congress in Japan this October.
In a press release from Lausanne dated April 4, the FIVB said: "As he already announced over 18 months ago, at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Dr Acosta is willing to continue working for the promotion of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball.
"Celebrating his birthday in excellent spirits and glowing with good health, he continued brainstorming new ideas to promote Volleyball and Beach Volleyball even during his birthday celebrations.
"This is merely a continuation of over 20 years of loyal service to the FIVB during which the sport has seen explosive growth and developed into the most-watched sport on TV at the Athens Olympic Games.
"With the Volleyball World Championships to take place after the FIVB Congress in Japan in November this year, the FIVB looks forward to seeing Dr Acosta personally presenting the trophies to the winners."
The FIVB World Congress will be held from October 23-25, and will be followed by the women's World Championships from October 31-November 16, and by the men's from November 17-December 3.
