The year 2020 is a year in which World ParaVolley would typically hold its biennial General Assembly.

Earlier in 2020, World ParaVolley announced that we would hold the General Assembly in December in Arnhem, Netherlands.

However, given the fact that COVID-19 has become a major international issue over the past months, and does not appear to be leaving us anytime soon, the World ParaVolley Board has reconsidered the 2020 General Assembly.

In line with many other international organisations, World ParaVolley will not be holding a face-to-face 2020 General Assembly as previously planned.  We will either defer the meeting until 2021 or conduct an on-line meeting – the latter is the Board’s preference at this stage.

The Executive Committee and the Board are currently investigating an on-line option that has the advantage of reducing health risks and costs at the same time. It should also provide the opportunity for our Member Federation Presidents and Secretary Generals to “attend”, although we do recognise that world time zones will be an issue for some.  We are checking with other sports organisations that have already held on-line meetings in order to find out the best method and platform to offer our General Assembly.

“I want to assure Members that if the on-line option proceeds, the voting on Motions and elections will be conducted by an independent group of experts and scrutineers so that we maintain the integrity of the outcomes,” said World ParaVolley President Barry Couzner.  “Meanwhile, well prior to the ‘meeting’, all of the necessary papers and reports will be provided to Members for their consideration in advance – the same as if we held a face-to-face meeting.”

Immediately after the Board decides, we will advise Members of the process and commence preparations.