Lausanne, Switzerland, January 10, 2005 - In the spirit of its commitment to solidarity and social involvement with young people throughout the world, the International Volleyball Federation has decided to combine its efforts with those of the UN for the reconstruction of the Southeast Asian countries stricken by an earthquake on 26 December 2004, followed by the most deadly tsunami ever. On behalf of its 218 member National Federations, the FIVB would like to start by offering its condolences to all of its friends and partners, both Asian and Western, who may have been affected by this tragedy.

In order to put its principles into practice, and as a continuation of its longstanding humanitarian actions with UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR, the FIVB has decided to donate 3 million dollars today to the United Nations to help, as top priority, with the reconstruction of schools and sports infrastructures in the disaster zones. The FIVB will also partner up with various educational schemes in order to offer structured sports programmes to traumatised children who have lost family members, in the hope that this will in some modest way help restore their confidence in the future and bring some enjoyment back into their lives.

"In keeping with the moral commitments and principles of the FIVB members which have also been mine during my long career spent working for sports and athletes, explained Dr. Rubén Acosta, the FIVB President, I wanted this special aid to go first to help young people in these regions, which are home to some 8 million Volleyball players."

Our effort has the enthusiastic support of Mr. Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace, and the Secretary General himself, Mr. Kofi Annan.

"This is not only an outstanding action, but also a shining example of what the sports community can produce in terms of generosity and solidarity when human tragedy strikes," commented Mr. Adolf Ogi. "I am obviously very proud to participate in this operation, which I will make a point of seeing through to completion."