Neslihan Darnel
“I think that it is my duty to use my popularity in order to show women that it is possible to combine work and family – even if you are on different continents, in different time zones and if you have to travel 200 days a year,” Darnel, a mother of a five-year-old daughter, said.
“Qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games is extremely stressful but I know that I can handle the situation just like many other working mums do.” “I feel very honoured and I am proud to be part of the ‘FIVB Heroes’. The campaign provides an ideal platform to promote important topics such as maintaining a good balance between work and family life, a healthy lifestyle and children’s rights.”
FIVB Heroes is the official image campaign of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and was launched in June 2011. The ‘FIVB Heroes’ not only stand for their athletic achievements but also for their lifestyle and social engagement. The campaign features 33 volleyball and 29 beach volleyball players from 19 countries. As a partner of the United Nations, the ‘FIVB Heroes’ support the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals such as gender equality, children’s rights and maternal health.
“Neslihan Darnel is a perfect role model as a mother, one of the best volleyball players in the world and a person who stands for values such as team spirit, fair play and professionalism,” CEV President and FIVB executive vice-president André Meyer said.
“That is why she was selected to be an FIVB Hero.” “The campaign offers a perfect vehicle to showcase the positive influence the ‘FIVB Heroes’ have on the world and to reach as many people as possible and that is why Neslihan is such a commendable participant.” As part of her role in the FIVB Heroes campaign, Darnel will tour the world as a volleyball ambassador on behalf of the FIVB.
