CEV President attends opening of new headquarters of Croatian Federation

Zagreb, Croatia. FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° and CEV President Aleksandar Boricic attended on Tuesday a special ceremony held for the opening of the new headquarters of the Croatian Volleyball Federation (HOS) at Dražen Petrovic Square 1, Zagreb. A devastating earthquake last spring damaged the previous HOS seat and the organisation had to continue their operations from temporary offices since March 2020.

The FIVB and CEV Presidents cutting the ribbon at the ceremony for the opening of the new HOS premises

“If you have a nice office, you feel pride. If you feel pride, you work and build a strong national team. This is what I said to Croatia’s Prime Minister yesterday; you must have good national teams because your people are very tall. FIVB is here to give support and I believe you will have a team on the podium in four years,” said the FIVB President.

“The office looks amazing and these are great working conditions, now you need results on the court as well. I expect the Croatian women’s national team to reach the knockout phase of EuroVolley and I am sure they will achieve a good result there!”
Aleksandar Boricic
CEV President

The new HOS headquarters cover an area of some 350 sq. m. Croatia’s State Secretary for Sport Tomislav Družak, the Director of the Sports Division at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport Krešimir Šamija, as well as the President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Zlatko Mateša were among the first people to pay a visit to the new offices. They did so together with scientist Dragan Primorac, the captain of the Croatian women’s national team Samanta Fabris and FIVB and CEV Board member Zdeslav Barac.

“I love this new office, it is functional and rational. This is for sure a great foundation for the development of Volleyball in Croatia!” said Družak. The President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Zlatko Mateša added, “The arrival of key people from European and world Volleyball is an indicator of how important this event is. This is a demonstration of respect for Volleyball, and of desire for our Volleyball community to achieve better results!’”

The President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation Ante Bakovic, alongside Vice-President Petar Sprcic, Secretary General Valentina Bifflin and HOS board member Vlado Bagaric hosted the guests and dignitaries.

A group picture with all guests attending the opening ceremony in Zagreb

“Our old office was completely destroyed in the earthquake and since that day we have been looking for ideal headquarters. Four months ago, we started refurbishing this office – which is today a beautiful home. This is a pre-condition to working better and I believe our players will soon make us very happy!” said Mr Bakovic.

“I am happy to be here, this is a lovely home for all of us players. The only missing thing is a new trophy! The women’s team is getting together after more than a year, and we are happy to see each other again, but also to play the European Golden League and the EuroVolley later this year.”
Samanta Fabris
Captain of the Croatian women’s national team

The new HOS office was furnished with the financial help of CEV, with the support of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Croatian Olympic Committee and City of Zagreb.