Manila: Philippine National Volleyball Federation head Ramon “Tats” Suzara has been appointed as the executive vice president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). ‘It’s a great distinction and honor to be named as executive vice president of the FIVB because it will give Philippine volleyball great opportunities ahead,’ Suzara expressed on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Suzara was elected as the Asian Volleyball Confederation president last September and will now serve under Brazil’s Fabio Azevedo, who was unanimously elected president during the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal, last week. Alongside Suzara, the other executive vice presidents include Bouchra Hajij from Morocco, Marco Tullio Teixeira from Brazil, Mark Eckert from Canada, Dula Mester from Serbia, Hugh Graham from the Cook Islands, Daniel Molaodi from Botswana, Mireya Luis Hernandez from Cuba, and Hila Asanuma from Palau.

The newly appointed executive committee for the 2024-2028 term also includes Cr
istóbal Marte Hoffiz as the 1st Executive Vice-President, Roko Sikiric as the 2nd Executive Vice-President, and Roberto Wilfrido Escobar Gonzalez as Treasurer and Executive Vice-President. Suzara highlighted the benefits of his new role, stating, ‘Not only will our national teams benefit, but the entire Philippine volleyball. We are very thankful to the FIVB, former president Dr. Ary Graça, and new president Fabio Azevedo for trusting me as new FIVB executive vice president.’

Suzara, who attended the Congress with PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Donaldo ‘Don’ Caringal, and director Tonyboy Liao, presented a comprehensive preview to over 200 FIVB members about the Philippines’ first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Championship, scheduled from September 12 to 28 next year.