Beijing, China, August 24, 2008 – Dr. Rubén Acosta officially transferred the FIVB presidency to Mr. Wei Jizhong at a special Handover Ceremony in Beijing on Sunday after 24 years of peerless success as leader of Volleyball’s world governing body. “I am retiring today from the presidency at the closing of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games so that a new era can unfold for the FIVB,” said Dr. Acosta.

With his wife Malúby his side, Dr. Acosta delivered a warmly received speech to distinguished guests and media from around the world in which he called for the Volleyball Family to continue to support FIVB President Wei as he embarks on his new role at the FIVB.

“Malúand I, we both wish Mr. Wei all the success in his new function and demand all those who during many years accompanied us with loyalty and devotion to Volleyball and all those who gave our sport their trust and support, to relentlessly continue their loyal dedication to FIVB duties in an effort to make possible new achievements and the expansion of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball beyond their existing frontiers,” said Dr. Acosta.

“During 24 years Malúand I have done our best to honour the legacy of our founding President Mr. Paul Libaud and we have never failed to come to the forefront in defence of that legacy which we now entrust to Mr. Jizhong Wei and his collaborators for them to maintain with care and honesty the respect of the FIVB general interest and image,” said Dr. Acosta.

Dr. Acosta accepted the FIVB Executive Committee proposal approved by acclamation at the 31st FIVB World Congress to become FIVB Honorary Life President to continue guide the organisation and said, “together with my wife Malú, Honorary Advisor, whenever required by Mr. Wei, we will be ready to support his action, if needed, in the best interest of our sport.”

Dr. Acosta made official his previously announced retirement at the end of the World Congress in June in Dubai, with the Congress unanimously electing FIVB First Executive Vice President Wei as incoming President. Mr. Wei will be President until elections in 2012.

Mr. Wei, whose past roles have included Vice President and Executive Secretary General of the Chinese Olympic Committee, paid tribute to Dr. Acosta’s stellar achievements over a memorable 24 years.

“Today, FIVB became one of the most well-organized international sports federations with modern sports concepts, with professional officials and orchestrated by democratic and fair principles,” said President Wei. “Dr. Rubén Acosta, we enjoy all your achievements.”

“The FIVB can be sure that I will continue the march in advance you initiated and try my best to reach the high expectations you put on us,” said President Wei.

Dr. Acosta was elected President of the FIVB for the first time at the 19th FIVB World Congress in Long Beach, California, USA, in 1984, taking over from founding President Paul Libaud. As Volleyball's ambassador, Dr. Acosta tirelessly promoted the sport worldwide and oversaw the spectacular development of Volleyball into the success story it is today, changing the face of the game to attract fans, sponsors and television through innovative management, creation of events and rule changes.

Part of Dr. Acosta’s legacy is handing over to President Wei the largest sporting federation in the world in terms of Members, increasing the number of affiliated National Federations from 154 to 220. The institution enjoys solid financial health, which guarantees its complete independence. It has an efficient administrative structure, training and development centres all over the world and a programme of high quality sports competitions. Moreover, Volleyball and Beach Volleyball feature among the main disciplines of the Olympic programme.

Dr. Acosta’s crowning achievement was in realising his and wife MalúAcosta’s dream of creating a fitting home for Volleyball’s future generations. The result of their endeavour was the creation of “Ch?teau Les Tourelles,” FIVB’s stunning new headquarters on the banks of Lac Lèman in Lausanne, Switzerland.