NAIROBI, Kenya, May 18- Doug Beal the CEO of USA Volleyball and Board Member of the world volleyball governing body kicked-off his global tour in Nairobi on Friday in his bid for the presidency of FIVB.
Beal, 65, sold his mission that is based on five foundations namely, commitment to creating winner, ensuring inclusive management, creating effective support, developing a stronger game and increasing global promotion to various African federation leaders and delegates in Nairobi during his visit.
“I will work with the African federation leaders in creating lots of winners here. If African football teams and in some countries also basketball teams can compete with the best in the world, why can’t we do the same in volleyball and in beach volleyball,” he rallied during a press conference.
With the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) electing to support his Brazilian rival and incumbent FIVB executive vice-president Ary Graca as a bloc during the elections that will be held on September 21 at the world body’s congress in Anaheim, California, Beal explained his visit was to engage individual continental governing bodies to back his candidature.
“I fully respect the position of the CAVB supporting the candidate of their choice, but we have to understand that the FIVB president will be elected by the 220 National Federations individually – not by CAVB or any other Confederations.
“I am confident that the African federations are capable of making their own decision and acting independently. I respect everyone’s opinions, for this will a fair and democratic election, conducted by secret ballot,” he asserted.
Beal, Graca and Australian Volleyball Federation president, Chris Schacht have been cleared to run for the top seat that will be vacated by transitional president, Jizhong Wei who opted to go for a single term after the extended reign of Mexican Dr Reuben Acosta.
In his delivery, Beal affirmed his campaign will not be based on making solid pledges particularly to Africa that is miles behind the rest of the world in terms of development.
“I’m not going to become FIVB president and one week later, there will be 25 new facilities in Kenya or Africa that will not happen.
“But we can target how we grow in the sport, how we can be successful and attain success in your country and Africa with targeted strategic plans and resources,” the former head coach of the victorious 1984 Los Angeles Olympics volleyball team and a former player of the side explained.
CAVB vice-president and Kenya Volleyball Federation chief, Waithaka Kioni challenged the candidate to explain how his potential administration would redress the financial imbalance and development as he pressed for the next FIVB head to follow in the path set by the outgoing Wie in opening up the body.
“We are capable of managing their own resources without having to go through CAVB and the projects we directly have with FIVB here in Kenya for example are going on smoothly,
“President Wie has turned FIVB from a dictatorial body to an open governance and we hope that the next president will not shut it again. It is good that he is the first to come to tell us his plans and we hope our candidate will do the same,” Kioni offered.
The American candidate who watched the CAVB Women Volleyball Club Championships that conclude on Saturday, acknowledged the setbacks facing the African game that were beyond a magic bullet solution.
“I see so much potential here in Africa – both in volleyball and in beach volleyball. Through-out my professional life I have worked hard at creating winners and should I be elected FIVB president later this year.
“But we need a strong vision, a smart and focused plan and increased financial support over a longer period. I will provide all three elements and I think it is important that the African federations receive that financial support directly from FIVB,” he promised.
