Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Foundation (QF) has signed a new partnership pact with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation to promote and grow the sport of volleyball in Qatar by supporting athletes, providing sporting leadership, and fostering the development of the sport at all levels.
Volleyball is the second elite sport to be promoted through QF’s Creating Pathways Programme launched in September 2024 as part of QF’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy. It is designed to encourage physical activity and promote overall wellbeing, with an emphasis on the importance of exercise, nutrition, and health.
Through mentorship, skills development workshops, networking opportunities, and career support services, the Creating Pathways Programme empowers women and girls to explore new opportunities and realise their full potential in the field of sports.
Qatar Foundation will be the knowledge hub for volleyball training and educational opportunities by FIVB and the Volleyball Foundation. School programmes organised by QF, FIVB and the Volleyball Foundation will target young girls in two age groups – U10 and U14 – presenting an opportunity to increase their volleyball participation.
The FIVB and the Volleyball Foundation will also host a ‘Train the Trainer’ programme for QF, focusing on physical education teams within QF schools and universities.
The collaboration was unveiled as it was announced that Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice-chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, has been appointed to the board of the Volleyball Foundation. The Volleyball Foundation uses the global reach and power of volleyball to uplift communities worldwide through impactful projects.
At the ‘Women in Sports: Creating Pathways’ event held at the Education City Stadium, where the partnership was announced, international administrators, Olympians and Olympic medalists came together to discuss topics surrounding women in sports, through panels hosted by the FIVB and Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) in collaboration with QF.
"The partnership with FIVB, West Asian Volleyball Association and QVA is an important step in the ongoing journey Qatar Foundation is part of in developing women’s and girls’ sports in Qatar and harnessing the already-existing avid participation of sports and physical activity that exists across the country,” said Alexandra Chalat, executive director of Partnerships and Strategic Alignment for QF.
"It contributes to QF’s commitment to support the community’s need for children and adults to play, learn, and celebrate Qatari culture and heritage by providing infrastructure, programmes, and events at Education City that promote participation in sports and fitness for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”
Dr Ary S. Graça, president of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, said: "The FIVB Volleyball Foundation is proud to partner with Qatar Foundation, using the global reach and power of volleyball to uplift communities worldwide.”
"This collaboration will enable us to expand mass participation programs, reaching even more individuals and empowering them through our sport. Together, we are taking another step in championing inclusivity and serving the world through volleyball. We look forward to a successful partnership.”
Highlighting that volleyball is one of the most gender-equal sports in the world, Fabio Azevedo, FIVB president, said: "Through our partnership with Qatar Foundation, we are delighted to serve the Global Volleyball Movement even further.
"Through uniting our efforts, we will be able to further integrate communities, promote women’s empowerment, and create meaningful opportunities for all. Together as one, we can build bridges through volleyball and bring joy to millions through sport.”