Just hours after the culmination of the action-packed CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men, European Volleyball officials converged at Rome’s iconic Villa Piccolomini. They were there to celebrate 50 glorious years of the European Volleyball Confederation, established in 1973. Yet, amidst the festivities, a glaring omission raised eyebrows.
Volleyball in Europe, since its genesis, has seen an exponential rise. But as Mark Lebedew pointed out in his blog, volleyball must celebrate its luminaries. From a glance at the official event recap by the European Volleyball Confederation, there was no explicit mention of the sport’s greats who’ve graced the courts in these five decades. While accolades and commendations were generously distributed to several officials for their undeniable contribution, the athletes – the very heart of the sport – seemed to have taken a backseat.
Indeed, players, coaches, referees, and teams who’ve left an indelible mark over the years seemed conspicuously absent from the limelight. It almost felt as if volleyball, as per the CEV narrative, is primarily an officials’ game while the real architects are mere instruments of the organization.
On the brighter side, the gala was an aesthetically woven fabric of sports, music, arts, and culture. Rachele Sangiuliano, a former Italian national team member, led the festivities. Both CEV and FIVB Presidents, Aleksandar Boričić and Dr. Ary Graça F°, respectively, delivered heartfelt speeches, emphasizing the growth and future aspirations of the sport.
Dignitaries were honored, including long-standing partners of the CEV and presidents of various National Federations. And as fireworks lit the Roman sky, the celebration symbolized not just the golden past but hopes of an equally luminous future.
However, amidst this shimmering celebration, one can’t help but ponder: Doesn’t the very spirit of volleyball lie in those breathtaking spikes, impeccable saves, and moments of raw, unfiltered emotion on the court? It’s a gentle reminder that while officialdom is crucial, it’s the players and the game that truly deserve a standing ovation.
