#ICYMI: New FIS Director Embraces Road Ahead; The Next Step in Volleyball's Growth

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(ATR) Philippe Gueisbuhler is at home in the mountains – having grown up skiing and snowboarding in Switzerland – a passion and lifestyle that should be of great assistance as he serves in his new role as International Ski Federation director.

The dual Swiss and Austrian citizen assumed the newly created FIS position on Jan. 1, stepping in during the federation’s busiest and most critical time.

Considering the added complexity of FIS rescheduling numerous events due to COVID-19, Gueisbuhler is embracing the challenge ahead. He says he is grateful for the "warm welcome" that he has received, in the heart of winter, from his new FIS colleagues.

"It’s not the easiest to start in the middle of the season and then you have COVID on top of it, but the team here is fantastic – I’ve only been impressed by how professional and how much you can feel their passion for all winter sports," Gueisbuhler tells Around the Rings. "It’s really a pleasure to join the FIS family."

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The Next Step in Volleyball's Growth

(ATR) The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) teams up with private equity giant CVC Capital Partners Fund VII to create a new commercial entity called Volleyball World.

Volleyball World will initially work with FIVB and operate the federation’s international events including the FIVB World Championship, Olympic Games qualifiers and the Nations League national team tournament. But the new entity will then look to partner with other leagues and federations around the world "with the goal of increasing the profile and popularity of the sport".

An official release also stated that Volleyball World "will focus on matters such as event hosting, fan experience, media, opportunities around data and digital, and sponsorship growth".

FIVB will remain the sole, global volleyball regulatory body under the deal and is the majority shareholder in Volleyball World.

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Baseball: Florida in Mix For Americas Olympic Qualifier

(ATR) Speculation about the possible venue for the Olympic baseball qualifier for the Americas continues amid uncertainty.

According to the president of the Puerto Rico Federation, José Quiles, the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) tentatively set the date from June 6 to 10 to hold the Pre-Olympic in the state of Florida, United States.

"They sent us a communication, but it is not official yet. It will depend on how the COVID-19 situation is in Florida," Quiles told El Nuevo Día.

Florida has been the third hardest hit US state by the coronavirus. However, it has hosted "bubbles" for both the NBA and Major League Soccer (MLS) and is hosting the next edition of the Super Bowl on February 7.

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