Lausanne, May 9, 2008 -- The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball and special guests from around the world joined together in celebrating the grandest of occasions on Friday evening in Lausanne with the Opening Ceremony of “Ch?teau Les Tourelles,” heralding a new home and new beginning for Volleyball’s world governing body.

“The FIVB is proud to receive you with open arms and with joy we extend you a warm welcome to our new premises,” FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta said to the assembled guests. “This place must be much more than an administrative centre: it must be a place with life and it must have a soul.”

“Ch?teau Les Tourelles” is a stunning property on the banks of Lac Léman in Lausanne that enjoys luxurious surroundings and a majestic backdrop of the French and Swiss Alps. It features among the most elegant historical sites on the Lausanne city register.

The elegant exterior and interior of “Ch?teau Les Tourelles” is juxtaposed with state-of-the-art computer technology throughout the premises that meets the demands of a modern, progressive sports federation.

A group of Theban trumpeters signalled the beginning of the Opening Ceremony before Federal Councillor Mr. Samuel Schmid cut the ribbon in front of the Main Entrance to “Ch?teau Les Tourelles.”

Dr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, and FIVB President Acosta unveiled a commemorative plaque by the Main Entrance to the new FIVB headquarters.

After the signing of the “Livre d’Or” by the Guests of Honour, Dr. Acosta made a speech on the Grand Terrace, opening his address by thanking special guests Mr. Schmid, Mr. Jean-Claude Mermoud, State Councillor, Dr. Rogge, President of the Grand Council Mrs. Anne Baechler, Mayor of Lausanne Mr. Daniel Brélaz, H.E. Luciano Joublanc Monta?o, Ambassador of Mexico to Switzerland, H.H. Sheik Issa Bin Rashid Al-Khalifa, Vice-President of Bahrain Higher Council for Youth and Sport, H.E. Sheik Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H.H. Sheik Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheik Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum and Mr. Jo?l Bouzou, personal representative of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, for joining the Volleyball Family in celebrating the inauguration.

After praising the efforts of the previous generations of leaders of the FIVB and outlining the achievements of the organization since its move to Lausanne in 1984, Dr. Acosta closed his speech with a heart-felt message of thanks to all those who helped realize the dreams of the FIVB in the construction of Volleyball’s new home.

“Ch?teau Les Tourelles” has been rebuilt with tenacity and courage by people who dedicated their heart and soul to the attention to every detail of this masterpiece which became not only a house but our home, for as we all know, ‘It takes hands to build a house, but only a heart can build a home,” said FIVB President Acosta as the audience broke into spontaneous applause.

Dr. Rogge followed the President’s warmly received speech by praising the vision of those involved in creating the new premises and wished the FIVB the brightest of futures under the guidance of Dr. Acosta.

Mr. Brélaz, Mr. Mermoud and Mr. Schmid all stepped up to the podium to offer congratulatory speeches before there was a spectacular releasing of white doves and then balloons that drew gasps of admiration from the many distinguished personalities of Government and Sports, Banking, Industry and Mass Media enjoying a cocktail on the Grand Terrace overlooking the beautifully sculptured gardens of “Ch?teau Les Tourelles” and Lac Léman.

The celebration continued into the night with a delicious dinner at the “Salle Sandoz” at Hotel Beau Rivage Palace, where the FIVB President awarded the Gold FIVB Grand Cross, the highest award of the World Volleyball community, to Federal Councillor Mr. Samuel Schmid, His Highness Sheikh Issa Bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Mr. Daniel Brélaz, Mayor of Lausanne, for their considerable contribution to the success of the FIVB.