COSTA NAVARINO, March 21, 2025 - Dr Ary S. Graça F°, Volleyball Foundation President and FIVB Honorary Life President, today received the highest honour of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Order, during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.

The Olympic Order is the highest distinction awarded by the IOC, to recognise people who have performed remarkable services for the Olympic Movement. Notable past recipients include French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis and Nelson Mandela, to name just a few, alongside numerous heads of state, royalty, athletes and distinguished figures.

IOC President Thomas Bach said:

“Throughout his long and distinguished career in sport, Ary Graça has been a true pioneer. Redefining volleyball. Championing innovation. Expanding the global reach of volleyball. And thereby also spreading our shared Olympic values to ever more people around the world. Your presidency of the International Volleyball Federation has been nothing short of transformative. Some may even say revolutionary.

“Over the past 12 years, you have led the volleyball community into a new era of progress and global expansion. Under your leadership, the sport has flourished, growing in popularity and accessibility across all continents.

"Through the FIVB Foundation, you have brought volleyball to communities worldwide, giving thousands of young people the chance to play, to dream and to build a better future. The record-breaking volleyball festival in India with 40,000 children participating is just one of many shining examples of your belief in the power of sport to inspire and unite. Your leadership in volleyball is part of a much larger legacy.”

During his acceptance speech, Volleyball Foundation President Dr Ary S. Graça F° stated:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the prestigious Olympic Order. My goal has always been to showcase the incredible power of our sport. Today, I continue this mission as president of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation.

“Under the leadership of the IOC, all of us in the Olympic Movement strive to build a more peaceful and better world through sport. Through the Volleyball Foundation, we have provided opportunities to people around the globe through our sport. We have broken barriers and given hope to communities in need. We have seen first-hand how volleyball can positively shape lives, foster inclusivity and help overcome differences in a world divided by conflict.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to create opportunities through volleyball, and receiving the Olympic Order only deepens my passion to continue this work.”

Leading the FIVB from 2012 to 2024, Dr Graça oversaw a period of remarkable progress, with innovation and opportunity as the key pillars of his mandate.

Now at the helm of the Volleyball Foundation, he remains dedicated to empowering communities worldwide through volleyball, using the sport to inspire, connect, and serve societies globally.