GENEVA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 39th World Congress of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) unanimously elected Fabio Azevedo as the new president of the world volleyball governing body in Porto, Portugal, on Saturday.
Azevedo succeeds Dr. Ary S. Graca F, who had served as FIVB president since 2012. Azevedo will lead the organization for the next eight years, until 2032.
"I am honored, humbled, and grateful to be elected to serve the Global Volleyball Movement for the next eight years. Over the past 12 years, volleyball has experienced remarkable growth, development, and modernization worldwide, and we have the opportunity to build on very strong foundations," Azevedo said in an FIVB statement.
"With the support of the international volleyball community, I am ready to guide the sport of volleyball into the next phase through the Strategic Vision 2024-2032, which is led by the motto 'Together as One' and the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment, and mass participation."
Azevedo appointed Hugh McCutcheon, who has served as a senior advisor to the FIVB for several years, as the secretary general.
"I am truly honored and excited to be taking on this new role within the FIVB. From player to coach, to sports administrator in both the global FIVB and US collegiate arenas, and now taking on this position, I feel privileged to continue contributing to the sport I love in meaningful new ways. This moment feels both surreal and deeply rewarding, and I'm grateful to be part of a journey that will help shape the sport's next chapter," McCutcheon said. ■