Beijing, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Dr. Ruben Acosta officially transferred the FIVB presidency to China's Wei Jizhong Sunday afternoon after 24 years of unparalleled success as the leader of volleyball's world governing body.
"I am retiring today from the presidency at the closing of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games so that a new era can unfold for the FIVB," said Acosta at the handover ceremony held at the Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium.
Wei will serve out the presidency until a new election in 2012.
Dr. Acosta made official his previously announced retirement at the 31st FIVB world congress in June in Dubai, with the congress unanimously electing FIVB first executive vice president Wei as his successor.
The FIVB congress also approved the executive committee's proposal to nominate Dr. Acosta as FIVB honorary life president and to continue guide the organization, with the Congress approving the proposal by acclamation.
"The FIVB can be sure that I will continue the march in advance you initiated and try my best to reach the high expectations you put on us," said the 71-year-old Wei.
Dr. Acosta was first elected president of the FIVB at the 19th FIVB world congress in Long Beach, the United States, in 1984, taking over from founding president Paul Libaud.
As volleyball's ambassador, Acosta promoted the sport worldwide and oversaw the spectacular development of volleyball into the success story it is today, changing the face of the game to attract fans, sponsors and television through innovative management, creation of events and rule changes.
Under Acosta's leadership, FIVB's affiliated member federations has increased from 154 to 220.
The institution enjoys solid financial health, which guarantees its complete independence. It has an efficient administrative structure, training and development centers all over the world and a program of high quality sports competitions. Moreover, volleyball and beach volleyball feature among the main disciplines of the Olympic program.
