Naples, Italy, was the stunning backdrop for this year’s CEV General Assembly, and what a way to start off my first official duties as President of Scottish Volleyball. Despite speaking with CEO, Margaret Ann Fleming and Head of Development, Blair Pettigrew ahead of this congress I was not sure of what or how this weekend would look. To say I was unsure of what lay ahead of me was an understatement. Upon arrival I was greeted by CEV representatives welcoming the incoming delegates from all the attending Federations. After as short airport transfer, I arrived at the salubrious Royal Continental hotel which would become a world headquarters for European volleyball.
With check-in not available until 3pm I had 15mins to grab some lunch and speak with Blair and Margaret Ann before attending my first scheduled meeting. At this point it was full on. I suddenly realised that other National Federations had been monitoring Scottish Volleyball and my announcement as President, as delegates were eager to engage with me to present their campaign for elections and ascertaining how Scotland as a Nation intended to cast votes on Saturdays all important Presidential and Board elections. Still slightly travel weary and incredibly hot, I was truly thankful to have the experience of Margaret Ann and Blair shield me from all the would-be suitors.
First Order of Business was the Small Counties Association meeting, scheduled for 2 hours. This was full on. Being introduced firstly to the various Presidents and delegates from SCA and then thrust into the heart of business. This meeting was eye opening. Having worked at Scottish Volleyball, I had some knowledge of how this association operated and the importance of the agenda points being discussed, this was advantageous. Up for discussion, the budget, future competitions and more importantly who will host our SCA competitions. At the conclusion of the meeting and after few more introductions. I managed to check in to my room and meet Blair for a quick swim in the sea to wash off the days travel, before heading back to the hotel to prepare for a formal evening meal with delegates. Day one in the bag.
Day 2 began with and early breakfast and a swift 8.25 transfer to the stunning Castel Nuovo in San Ferdinando, where the massive CEV standards were draped from the castles ramparts for the world to see. This venue would host congress and the full days elections and speeches. The set up was incredible, massive screens to show video’s and to enable the 53 countries to view the top table preceding’s, headsets to enable the translators to communicate with the delegates. There was a full agenda which would last around 6 hours. We had a clear mission for the day, an agreed strategy for our vote, and the overall goal to help Margaret Ann and Scotland secure the votes needed to secure her election on to the CEV and FIVB Boards. This was the most eye-opening part of the whole event for me. The communication with the different federations over the voting strategy, trying to secure our votes whilst supporting other federations to mutual benefits. This was very intense and happened particularly fast in moments and in others it was a lifetime of waiting.
We had speeches from Ary Graca, FIVB President and the outgoing president Aleksandar Boričić to name a few. Then it was down to voting. Up first, the vote for the new President. This vote went to two rounds of voting before the new President of CEV Roko Sikiric (Croatia) was announced. Then it was the CEV Board which is where our hopes for our CEO rested. This vote was the biggest of the day with 33 candidates up for election. Once all votes were cast the nervous waiting game began for the first count to be returned. The tension in the room from all federations was palpable. When the first round was announced it was clear we were going into round two of votes, Margaret Ann was close but not there yet! Blair was rapidly counting the votes to figure out how we were sitting going into the next round. At this stage, the pool of candidates had been whittled down and we were confident and nervous all at the same time. I cast the 2nd vote and began the waiting again. This time the count was slightly quicker and there it was Margaret Ann had secured the required votes to be elected again. Part one of our mission was accomplished. The next vote was equally important that of the FIVB Board. We were hoping to avoid the nerves of the CEV vote and thankfully this was going to be the case. After the votes were cast and counted Margaret Ann was elected by a massive margin.
Blair sat back and loosened up his tie and I was about to do the same when he sat up and reminded me that there was the last matter of me receiving my gold President pin. So instead of relaxing and taking off my tie, I found myself putting on my suit jacket and making my way down to the front of the room to receive this honour from the new CEV President. Only after this could I relax safe in the knowledge we had accomplished what we had came for.
Overall, the weekend was such a massive success from a Scottish perspective. I had made so many new acquaintances from all over Europe. I had represented Scotland to the best of my abilities and made connections with federations who I hope will in the future work with the staff at Scottish Volleyball to help our organisation flourish. I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone who were elected to the various Boards and of course to the New CEV President Roko Sikiric.
