cludes the objective to increase the popularity of the sport in the country. What are some of your achievements so far?
I joined the NVF Board of Administration in 2007 as director of the develop- ment department. In 2008, I was elected as vice president and Mr. Des Shi- lunga was elected as president of the NVF for a four year term. In 2010, Mr Shilunga however stepped down from the position as president due to personal reasons. The NVF board of administration voted me in as president for the re- mainder of the term, which was approved by the NVF annual congress. The next elections will be held in June 2012.
I believe our continuous drive to grow the popularity of the sport is starting to show results. The DTS Volleyball for All Tournaments, the biggest mass vol- leyball event in Africa was organized for the 28th year last month in Namibia. This year a new record of 224 teams entered the event, up from 216 teams last year and 196 teams in 2009. This is one indicator showing that we are making progress in growing the sport.
President Heiko Diehl
Furthermore, our objective for Namibia to become No.1 in Africa, both on court and off the court, is a goal which will need a lot of effort to achieve. I am however convinced that if we can perform well in administra- tion, coaches and referees development; grassroots development and hosting of events; the results on court will follow.
In March this year, Namibia's National Beach Volleyball Series were approved as first national beach volley- ball tour on the African continent by the International Federation (FIVB) as homologated national tour. This makes all tournaments on the national tour official FIVB events contributing towards players world rankings.
Namibia is also this month hosting the first ever International Beach Volleyball Referees Candidate Course on African soil. Further to that, Beach Volleyball has been included in the All Africa Games for the first time in 2011. Namibia will be hosting the qualification tournament for Zone VI countries in Swakopmund from 19 to 21 March 2011.
Not without some challenges as well
As mentioned before, one of our major challenges is funding our projects and activities. We however see great potential for Namibia as well as other African countries with similar financial challenges in Beach Volleyball. In Beach Volleyball, a team consists of only 2 players, compared to a team of 15 players and coaches in In- door Volleyball. Sending two players to international competitions is obviously a lot more affordable.
Another challenge is the development of young players, the next volleyball generation. With limited resources, grassroots development is not easy. The NVF is however on the verge of making a significant breakthrough in this area. Early this month, a contract between the NVF and the FIVB was signed in terms of which the FIVB's Development Fund will provide financial assistance to the NVF for establishing a Namibian Volleyball Acad- emy. This academy will provide Mini-Volleyball coaching to young Namibian kids - Under 11, 13 and 15. The academy is set to open its doors in May.
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