Volleyball Ireland Chief Executive, Gary Stewart, has been elected as President of the Small Countries Zonal Association at the FIVB World Congress in Porto. The FIVB is the Global governing body for the sport.
Joanna McCrory of Northern Ireland was also elected.
“The Small Countries Zonal Association is strategically vital for Ireland as it provides the bulk of our International competitions” said Volleyball Ireland President Clodagh Nic Canna.
“It is imperative that the SCA is ambitious, well governed and communicates well, and I know that Gary’s vision for the zone will be a success for Ireland and all members.”
The Association is made up of 13 National Federations ranging from Greenland in the North of Europe to Malta in the South. It organises age group European Championship qualifiers, Senior National team competitions and a zonal world ranked Beach Tour.
“First of all I wish to thank the current Executive led by Helgi Thorsteinsson and including our own Grainne Culliton, who I know served to the SCA with diligence and excellence,” said Stewart.
“There has been good progress over the last four years and I’m excited to build on that with all members, and our key partners the FIVB and CEV. The SCA has huge potential and I know that by working together we can deliver a strong competition model, leverage more investment into the zone and support each other to grow.”
The stepping forward of personnel from Irish bodies into European and Global leadership positions is to be welcomed and encouraged.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
