President Wei, who will stand down at the end of theCongress, reflected on the changes and the reforms of the past four years and wished the new FIVB administration the best
President Wei, who will be replaced as FIVB President on the third and final day of the Congress when elections will take place, reflected on the changes and the reforms of the past four years and wished the new FIVB administration the best, pointing out that the new FIVB President “will be a captain rather than a coach.”
“When I try to sum up all of the reforms, I am fully aware of the fact that they have all been accomplished through your support and execution.
“In Dubai I said that I was only a President of transition, but that I had the determination to make the FIVB more transparent, more democratic – to make the FIVB a real non-profit sports institution and bring it back into the Olympic family.
“From the beginning I pledged not to seek re-election, not to be guided by personal interest, and to rely on collective leadership to avoid mistakes and wrongdoings.
“Supported by the Congress and the Board, I undertook the following reforms:
1. Repositioning the FIVB based on the following principles: transparency and openness; democracy; delegation of executive power and responsibility; and mutual supervision. I insisted on respecting the Olympic principle that money coming from sport should be used properly for sport – through this Olympic principle all FIVB members may share our benefits.
2. Furthering FIVB investment in development.
3. The FIVB has decided to pay the expenses for category I and II NFs to participate in the Congress, and for all Board members and Commission/Council members to participate in FIVB meetings.
4. Reforming beach volleyball activities by introducing the Beach Volleyball World Cup and Continental Cup, and integrating beach volleyball with volleyball. The success of these reforms has been remarkable.
5. Introducing amendments to the FIVB Constitution and regulations in line with the new trend in world sport.
6. Re-examining the FIVB competition system and format. Some new changes are going through testing now.
7. Adopting a new strategy in our marketing policy that ensures a sustainable increase in FIVB income.
8. Reforming the FIVB’s financial management. We decided to abolish the payment of commissions to FIVB elected members and make our finances more transparent.
9. Intensifying training for the FIVB’s young referees, especially female referees.
10. The FIVB has successfully returned to the Olympic family. It presents a new, positive image to the world.
“I have to recognise that there are some changes that still need to be made. I am sorry that I wasn’t able to see them through during my term.
“The steps taken to reform the FIVB leadership and management were not enough. In this area, I leave a heavy task to the new administration.
“The new and modern FIVB culture has not yet been properly shaped. I would like to have been able to finish this job during my term, but I didn’t encourage my colleagues to help me.
“The support for under-developed NFs remains insufficient. They are still awaiting some investments to help them with the first push.
“We continue to have problems in our competition format. There is an urgent need for new technologies to help the referees.
“We still have some difficulties to overcome in finance.
“I started the reform in marketing late, and some policies still need improvement.
The management of the FIVB Secretariat also needs to be improved – especially its coordination.
“For all these imperfections, even mistakes, your criticism and comments are most welcome, because feedback will help the new administration to continue to improve.
“The first FIVB President remained in office for 37 years. The second served 24 years. I have only four years’ experience.
“I would like to say that all the FIVB’s achievements were, are and will be the result of shared effort and the dedication of all the FIVB’s family members – including the President.
“For me, I feel I did my best and fulfilled my responsibility. Thanks to you all. I am pleased that I can now conduct the first FIVB democratic election to select your new leader.
“I sincerely thank the Confederations and NFs that have asked me to continue for one more term. But in order to hold this democratic election as soon as possible, it is necessary for me to step down. I do so happily, confident that the new generation will be able to lead the FIVB better than I have.
“So I once again sincerely ask you to support the new elected FIVB President. He will be the captain of the FIVB, not the coach, and whatever is accomplished from here on will require a team effort. If needed, I would happily continue to work for the FIVB under the new administration, being a friend of yours.
“My last wish is a request that you convey my thanks and very best wishes to all of your players. I love them.“
