Heath gains from Rome congress

Cook Islands Volleyball Association vice president Brendon Manatu Heath has been gathering information in Rome to help the development of volleyball in the Cook Islands.

The star beach volleyball player attended the International Volleyball Federation’s 32nd World Congress in Rome, Italy from September 7 to 10.

Heath made the trip to Italy from Brazil where he has been training ahead of the New Zealand beach volleyball circuit which is due to start soon.

While in Rome representing the Cook Islands, Heath had the chance to listen, learn and share ideas with the 200 countries that took part in the congress.

The World Congress, which is the federation’s supreme governing body, is held every two years.

The congress provides the opportunity for national federations to discuss issues with the world body and confederation officials while also providing update for the worldwide federations on key developments within the organisation.

“This has been a great chance to meet with similar countries that face the same problems, share ideas and network with those within the volleyball world,” Heath said.

“I have gathered some great information, recourses and met a lot of people while attending. The valuable information gained will help us a lot back home in the Cook Islands.”

Heath continues on to Brazil for two more weeks of beach volleyball coaching before heading back home to Rarotonga.