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CEV 26th GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESS CONFERENCE
The CEV
Rome, Italy, September 11, 2005. Following the CEV 26thGeneral Assembly, which took place in Rome (ITA) on Friday, 9th
September 2005 at the occasion of the Men’s Indesit European
Championship 2005 Final Round, elected CEV President Mr. André Meyer
presented himself to the press in accompaniment of Mr. Carlo Magri,
President of the Italian Volleyball Federation FIPAV as well as the
President and Vice President of the Men’s Senior European Championship
2005 Local Organising Committee, namely Mr. Giovanni Malago and Mr.
Luciano Cecchi.
Opening the press conference, FIPAV President and CEV Honorary Vice President Mr. Carlo Magri emphasised the importance of this press conference due to various aspects: “First of all, regarding the technical element and the organisation of this great European Championship, and secondly, the longstanding relationship between the Italian Volleyball Federation and the European Volleyball Confederation with Mr. Meyer as President. For our Federation it is a huge honour that Renato Arena was elected as CEV Vice President. Regarding the European Championship it is great to see that so many people are working together for communal success. FIPAV will for sure apply as candidate to host future European Championships.”
Mr. André Meyer, maintaining the position of CEV President for
another four years, confirmed that he is a great fan of Italy, but
especially of Italian volleyball due to their excellent organisation.
Concerning the Congress he once again congratulated the Italian
Volleyball Federation, stating that he was more than satisfied with the
conditions. He is also happy to welcome Italian Mr. Renato Arena as
newly elected Vice President into the CEV Board of Administration,
declaring that he will be an ideal replacement for Mr. Magri, who has
been privileged with the position of CEV Honorary Vice President thanks
to his years of tireless efforts in the volleyball field.
In addition, Mr. Meyer pronounced the fact that it is the first time
where the CEV organises a European Championship which is split into two
countries, i.e. two national federations cooperating in the
organisation. He appointed hosts Italy and Serbia & Montenegro
three years ago knowing that they have never failed in the organisation
of important events and are very experienced in presenting high level
volleyball competitions. “We were right”, he happily declared, “Both
countries have worked excellently. I’m especially proud of the high
spectator attendance, where we have already exceeded the record number
of daily spectators ever in a European Championship. A total of 118’000
people passed the entry gates of the Belgrade Arena and the
Palalottomatica in Rome during the Preliminary Pool Round. After the
end of the competition we expect the total number to exceed 160’000.”
According to the regulations, anti-doping controls have been carried
out after the qualification round with all results being negative.
Further, Mr. Meyer assured the good cooperation between all
participating bodies, i.e. the CEV, the Italian and Serbia Montenegrin
Volleyball Federation, the two countries of Italy and Serbia &
Montenegro as well as the cities of Belgrade and Rome, stating: “We can
be very proud of our achievements.”The President of the Local Organising Committee Mr. Giovanni Malago outlined the factual achievements, being especially delighted by the huge spectator interest in Rome, thanking the Mr. Carlo Magri and Mr. Walter Veltroni, the Mayor of Rome, the Municipality of Rome, as well as the Roman citizens.
Vice President Mr. Luciano Cecchi added a special thanks to the over 500 volunteers, the 350 accredited journalists, as well as the whole organisation team and all people involved in this special event.
Following a presentation by Austrian Airlines Western European Area Manager Ms. Dagmar Grüner, who invited all media present to an official lunch, CEV President Mr. André Meyer closed the press conference thanking the CEV and European Championship sponsors Indesit, Austrian Airlines, Mikasa and Gerflor.
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