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Volleyball Family and friends come together in celebration of “Château Les Tourelles” during memorable Opening Ceremony of FIVB’s new headquarters

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  “Château 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.”

“Château 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 “Château 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 “Château 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 Baehler, Mayor of Lausanne Mr. Daniel Brélaz, H.E. Luciano Joublanc Montaño, 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. Joël Bouzou, personal representative of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, for joining the Volleyball Family in celebrating the inauguration.

President Acosta voiced his pleasure at seeing in attendance some of the world’s best Volleyball players past and present, including Brazil’s “Giba,” Manon Flier of the Netherlands, Russia’s Pavel Abramov and Lorenzo Bernardi, Andrea Zorzi and Maurizia Cacciatori from Italy.

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

“Château 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.

Speech of the President of the International Volleyball Federation
Dr. Rubén Acosta H.

Distinguished Guests
Dear Volleyball friends
Ladies and Gentlemen

Please allow me first of all, to thank the presence of Mr. Samuel Schmid, Federal Councillor; Mr. Jean-Claude Mermoud, State Councillor; Dr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee; Mrs. Anne BAEHLER, President of the Grand Council; Mr. Daniel Brélaz, Mayor of Lausanne; H.E. Mr. Luciano JOUBLANC MONTAÑO, Ambassador of Mexico in 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 Qatar Olympic Committee; H.H. Sheik Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum; H.H. Sheik Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum; Mr. Joël Bouzou, personal representative of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, as well as to the eminent personalities of Government and Sports, Bank, Industry and Mass media, we thank you all for having kindly accepted our invitation to join our Volleyball family on the occasion of the inauguration of the new world premises of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball.

It gives us great pleasure to see the World Best Volleyball players among us, since their presence represents the testimony of their solidarity with our sport. Gilberto A. GODOY “Giba”, from Brazil; Manon FLIER from the Netherlands; Pavel ABRAMOV, from Russia and from Italy Lorenzo BERNARDI, Andrea ZORZI and Maurizia CACCIATORI.

The FIVB is proud to receive you with open arms and with joy we extend you a warm welcome to our new premises. This place must be much more than an administrative centre: it must be a place with life and it must have a soul!

Upon the FIVB’s foundation in Paris in 1947, it was accommodated by the French Federation providing a friendly place to work in.

In 1978, thirty-one years after its foundation, the second generation of leaders of the FIVB was able to afford to rent a small apartment in Paris which everybody highly appreciated.

In 1984, after electing a new President, the following generation moved the FIVB head office to Lausanne, Switzerland, where the authorities of the City offered a 64 square metres bureau at a corner of Place Chauderon.

Four years later in May 1988 we moved to a Villa at 12, Avenue de la Gare. During the following 19 years this Villa became the stage of the most fascinating story of the development of a sports organisation and of all the risks that success entails.

From the early days in 1984, we introduced market research in sports, started Sports Aid and Development Programmes in every continent, sports events were multiplied, professional events in Volleyball and Beach Volleyball were started, TV coverage was adopted as a compulsory condition for organisers and top-level Olympic qualification events were established.

All this led the FIVB to reach major achievements:

1.       From 154 affiliated Federations to 220 today, making the FIVB the world’s largest sports organisation.

2.      The creation of more than ten Regional Development Centres and Cooperation Programmes in Africa, Asia, South America and Norceca.

3.       The creation of the World League, the Grand Prix, the Grand Champions Cup and many new sports events.

4.       A successful marketing diversification plan for Beach Volleyball with the World Tour and World Championships.

5.       Multiplied the participation in World Championships to more than 170 National teams in 2006 and a number record of more than 200 teams already registered for 2010.

6.       An important financial support is allocated every year to each one of our five (5) Continental Confederations.

7.       More than 75% of our budget is earmarked every year for sport, to cover travel and accommodation expenses of all teams and officials taking part in our World Championships, to provide financial support to organisers and to allocate cash Prizes for teams and players.  

8.       We obtained IOC recognition for two successful disciplines Volleyball and Beach Volleyball which since many years have been part of the Official Programme of the Olympic Games.

9.       Our Finances were consolidated and National Federations were given access to its information as a sign of transparency.

10.     We increased the practice of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball from 30 Million people playing in 1984, to more than 45 Million around the world today.

All these achievements led our sport to be recognised, after Athens 2004, as one of the most popular Olympic sports on TV with 3.5 BILLION Television viewers/hour, according to the figures reported by the IOC, as a result of their official research.

Only the passionate devotion to Volleyball of three generations made the “FIVB Blue Revolution” possible and that is why on this occasion I would like to pay them a vibrant homage.

The opening of “Château Les Tourelles” is the best occasion to celebrate the efforts of three generations who throughout 60 years understood the importance of personal commitment, solidarity and loyalty to freely adopted principles and the rejection of biased and politically motivated attitudes, the only aim of which was to thwart the success of our actions. 

This place represents the crowning of the efforts of several generations including the first pioneers, and all those who alive or alas! already gone, made their contribution for the FIVB to manage Volleyball with the aim of making it the great sport it has become and securing its place among the best and greatest.

We wish that a new generation of leaders would come to the front and take over the relay with the same courage, with the same faith and the same loyalty, maintaining the same friendly spirit and fraternal attitude and who knows how to honour its predecessors’ legacy, with the profound respect for our sport which certainly has been the driving force that made our success possible.

We have always received decisive support in the pursuit of our dream and we wish to sincerely express our heartfelt thanks to the Federal Councillor Mr. Samuel Schmid and the State Council of the Canton de Vaud for giving their agreement for the FIVB’s acquisition of this property; to every one of the City Councillors of Lausanne, in particular the Mayor of Lausanne, Mr. Daniel Brélaz for having complied with our wishes and given us his confidence.

We want to also express our recognition to the People of Lausanne for accepting the FIVB as one of them and to all the enterprises and their skilled craftsmen for their dedication and care with which they revived the original charm and elegance of this ancestral property.

 “Château 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”.

Once more we thank you sincerely for your presence and kind attention today.

Dr. Rubén Acosta H.

FIVB President

The Federation Internationale de Volleyball has opened a new chapter in its history in acquiring a prestigious property on the banks of Lake Léman for the location of its world headquarters. A superb anniversary gift for the 60-year-old Federation that is younger than ever! For the first time since its birth in April 1947, the FIVB is no longer renting. It has become complete owner of this locale. The heart of world Volleyball beats within “Chateau Les Tourelles” and the nearby guesthouses that enjoy luxurious surroundings, where age-old trees draw admiration. In the distance, by the lake waters, the peaks of the French and Swiss Alps offer a majestic backdrop.
      The purchase of such a property that features amongst the most elegant historical sites on the Lausanne city register has taken place after long negotiations with the Vaud ward authorities. The plan for renovation and utilisation of the site, a real challenge, profoundly thought out by the FIVB President, was finished after last-minute resistance was overcome. Those who resisted quickly understood that only enthusiasm from an institution as solid and vibrant as the FIVB could restore the life and style to “Château Les Tourelles” that in decades gone by had not always, in fact, seen positive change.

An exceptional site for a modern institution

       Originally, at the beginning of the 19^th century, the owners built on a gentle slope a tenant farmer’s house and christened it La Baudelle. Years later, the house was demolished to make room in 1867 for “Château Les Tourelles,” which became a holiday destination or country retreat for high-society families from Europe, mainly Britain. But over time, at the whim of successive landlords, the château slowly lost its original look. It was found in a partially neglected state when the idea of creating the FIVB headquarters came to the Acostas. The plan was to restore the splendour of “Château Les Tourelles,” its structure and furnishings to make it both an exceptional place proud of its past and a functional headquarters of a modern organisation in the 21^st century. A great challenge that had to be taken.
       Once the support of the Lausanne municipality was given, everyone started to work in accordance with the ambitious plan conceived by President Acosta and his wife. For more than two years, both ceaselessly oversaw the work-in-progress on the construction site. It was necessary to move tons of stone and soil during the renovation and to demonstrate a sense of taste and sensitivity in the completion of the overall project. All the different guilds within the building industry contributed; the Swiss, French, Italian and Portuguese companies and craftsmen lent their talents to complete the project and, at the end of 2007, the 60^th year in the life of the FIVB, the vision became a reality.

State-of-the-art computer technology for a modern, progressive federation

        The interior design was left solely to Malú Acosta whose work, in collaboration with the architectural advisors, was the crowning achievement. The first goal was to use in the best possible way every square metre on the four floors of the building to comfortably house all the operational departments. The interior design breathes elegance through the wooden floors that, to single out one aspect, represent the marquetry experts’ outstanding work. A visitor’s eyes will never get bored.
      What we see less of, but which is no doubt powerfully efficient, is the information technology system of the highest standards which makes for a cutting-edge working environment within the FIVB. An example is given with the grand Boardroom, located under the terrace and whose windows face directly onto the lawn. It is equipped as a meeting room of a large multinational company would be and confirms, if it is even necessary to do so, that the FIVB is starting a whole new life, this after giving back life to “Château Les Tourelles.”

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