As Dr Graça’s presidency draws to a close, we reflect on the key milestones that have shaped his lasting legacy in beach volleyball
Over the past 12 years, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça Fᵒ has overseen an era of significant growth and transformation for beach volleyball.
Under his leadership, the sport has expanded its global reach, driven by the development of major events, a greater presence at the Olympic Games and the introduction of youth competitions. With the creation of the Beach Pro Tour and the continued success of the Beach Volleyball World Championships, beach volleyball has solidified its status as one of the most popular sports on the global stage.
Let’s reflect on the key moments that have shaped President Graça’s legacy in beach volleyball.
The Beach Pro Tour: A New Chapter for Professional Beach Volleyball
Australia battle it out against Thailand at the Coolangatta Futures stop
A major achievement of President Graça’s tenure was the introduction of the Beach Pro Tour in 2022 by Volleyball World. This professional circuit, which replaced the FIVB World Tour, has given athletes a world-class stage to compete on and created a beach party vibe for the passionate fans.
The Beach Pro Tour travels the globe, showcasing world-class beach volleyball in iconic locations. With its tiered structure of Elite16, Challenge, and Futures events, culminating in a Finals at the end of each season, the Tour offers athletes at all levels an opportunity to compete for prize money, ranking points and qualification for the Olympic Games. From sun-soaked beaches in Brazil and Egypt to the vibrant spots in Germany and the Philippines, the tour has brought together music, food and the beach lifestyle, and introduced beach volleyball to new audiences worldwide.
Beach Volleyball World Championships: A Stage for the Stars
The World Championships bring together the top teams from around the world every two years
The Beach Volleyball World Championships have long been one of the sport’s most prestigious events, and under President Graça’s leadership, the tournament has gained even greater prominence. Held every two years, with both the men’s and women’s editions in one event, six hugely successful Beach Volleyball World Championships have taken place during his mandate.
The Rome 2022 World Championship was the most-watched edition in the competition’s history. 16 million fans around the world tuned into content on Volleyball World’s…
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