Vanuatu Volleyball wins IOC award

The Vanuatu Volleyball Federation has been recognised at the International Olympic Committee's 2019 Women and Sports Awards.

Vanuatu Volleyball President Debbie Masaufakalo was on hand to receive the Women and Sport Award for Oceania, in recognition of the organisation's advocacy and leadership in promoting girls and women's participation in sport at all levels.

The IOC said the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation has been recognising the transformational power of sport to prompt social change.

The Sport for Development and Volley4Change (V4C) programmes have helped to provide nutritional education, increased physical activity and leadership opportunities for women, girls and people with disabilities.

Since its establishment, V4C has seen over 3,000 community members take part.

The Vanuatu Volleyball Federation also partnered with Oxfam in 2018 to facilitate awareness on sexual harassment to VVF staff, coaches and players.

The International Olympic Committee's Women and Sports Awards are given to individuals or organisations who have made remarkable contributions to the development, encouragement and reinforcement of women's participation in sport.