Krakow, Poland, July 18, 2016 – With Serbia celebrating their first ever FIVB Volleyball World League title after beating Brazil in the final, FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° praised the tournament as a whole with its expansion to 36 teams providing further evidence of the growth of volleyball.
The new technology also on show throughout the tournament and the quality of matches - especially in the Finals held in Krakow this week -means volleyball's journey to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has reached its peak.
Talking about the tournament, President Graça said: “The FIVB World League Finals has showcased volleyball as the number one family sport entertainment in the world as our events are becoming more than a sporting competition but an engaging spectacle enjoyed by fans of all ages from all over the world. For example, this year all 11 matches from the Finals were available to watch online on the FIVB YouTube Channel.
"The FIVB World League Finals have provided the perfect springboard for further success of the sport at Rio 2016 as it returns to its spiritual home. I am confident the Olympic Games this August will showcase the love, passion and enthusiasm for our sport which runs deep in Brazilian society."
The 27th edition of the FIVB Volleyball World League in 2016 was the biggest ever with 36 teams competing across three groups. The competition has grown considerably over the years with just eight participating nations back in 1990.
The tournament has set the benchmark for dynamic sporting entertainment as a number of exciting innovations and technologies has been used, some for the very first time, prior to Rio 2016 Olympic Games, including the Challenge System, electronic score sheets and the electronic team and referee tablets.
During the Rio 2016 Olympic Games volleyball will take place at the iconic Maracanãzinho stadium that has already proved its hosting credentials over the years by hosting a number of the FIVB flagship competitions including the FIVB World League Finals last year.