Lausanne, December 11, 2008 – International Olympic Committee Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch was warmly received by FIVB President Jizhong Wei on Thursday during his visit to "Ch'teau Les Tourelles," the International Volleyball Federation headquarters.

After being accompanied on a tour of the ch?teau by FIVB President Wei, 1st Executive Vice President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, 2nd Executive Vice President Theofanis Tsiokris and Treasurer AndréMeyer, former IOC President Samaranch said he was very impressed by the new premises, which were inaugurated in May, and praised FIVB Honorary President and former FIVB President Dr. Rubén Acosta for his stunning legacy to the Volleyball Family.

Samaranch also congratulated President Wei for Beijing's successful hosting of the Olympic Games in August, aware that Wei was Special Assistant to the Chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Bidding Committee.

Samaranch, a keen Volleyball and Beach Volleyball enthusiast, said he was impressed with President Wei's vision of further developing and promoting the two Olympic disciplines.

The 88-year-old Spaniard, IOC President from 1980 to 2001, also said he was proud of the continued strengthening of the relationship between the FIVB and IOC.