The inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of the President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Dr Ary S. Graça, CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, 1st Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, Joao Da Costa, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, as well as several members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat.
Speaking on this occasion, Benmoussa said that the presence of Mr. Graça at this ceremony is a strong signal of the importance of cooperation between the African body and the international federation of the discipline in the aim of developing this sport at the African level.
The inauguration of this new headquarters is an ideal opportunity to highlight the role of sport in bringing together the countries of the continent, he pointed out, emphasizing the capital role played by sport within society through integration, the fight against social marginalization and the consecration of the values of friendship and fraternity between peoples.
For her part, Bouchra Hajij stressed that the inauguration of this new headquarters aims to set up a working framework allowing the components of African volleyball to exchange and consider the means to develop this discipline.
She stressed that since her election as head of the continental body in 2020, she has worked for the all-round development of volleyball on the continent, through the launch of several projects, including the constitution of an efficient administrative team in order to carry out the action plans drawn up.
"The opening of this incredible new home for the Confederation of African Volleyball is an important moment. From this new home, I expect we can continue the work in building partnership with NFs which is the key to creating a strong volleyball community and having strong national teams," said FIVB President Ary Graca.
"The FIVB will always be here to support and empower our this great continent, and I look forward to seeing African teams on podiums in the years ahead he added”.
“I urge all of you to support and guide President Bouchra Hajij as she strives to change the face of volleyball in Africa," Dr Graca pointed out.
Bouchra Hajij was elected president of the CAVB in October 2020 for the period 2020-2024, during a general assembly held by videoconference.