Recognition of Outstanding Contributions
Dr Ary S. Graça, the respected President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was presented with the renowned KISS Humanitarian Award 2020 on 4th October 2024. This award acknowledges his exceptional dedication to promoting the sport of volleyball across the globe. The KISS Humanitarian Award is an internationally recognised accolade presented annually by the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) located in Bhubaneswar, India. Founded by the visionary educationist and humanitarian, Professor Achyuta Samanta, who is also the Founder of KIIT and KISS, the award celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to humanity on a global scale, recognising their efforts in fostering social change and uplifting communities.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony took place in a dignified atmosphere, attended by various distinguished guests, including the Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, who presented the award in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. Although the award was initially announced in 2020, Dr Graça was unable to attend the event at that time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed travel restrictions worldwide.
Commendations for Leadership and Service
In his address, Governor Das commended Dr Graça for his unwavering commitment to expanding volleyball’s reach and leveraging the sport as a powerful tool for societal improvement. He noted that the KISS Humanitarian Award serves as a testament to global humanitarian and social values, inspiring individuals engaged in these fields to pursue even greater achievements and continue their service to humanity. Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo extended his congratulations to Dr Graça, praising the visionary efforts of Professor Samanta in establishing such a prestigious international accolade.
A Legacy of Service
During the event, Professor Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS and a former president of the Volleyball Federation of India, shared insights about Dr Graça’s influential leadership. He noted that Dr Graça, now 81 years old, has served as FIVB President for over 12 years, significantly shaping the landscape of volleyball and solidifying FIVB’s position as the largest sports federation globally, comprising 222 member nations. This extensive tenure speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for the sport.
Dr Graça’s Vision for Volleyball
Expressing his gratitude for receiving the KISS Humanitarian Award, Dr Graça shared his admiration for Dr Samanta’s tireless efforts to develop volleyball in India. He specifically travelled to India to accept this honour, emphasising that his primary aim is to promote peace and unity worldwide through the sport. “My passion is to continue to cherish the values of empowerment, teamwork, and opportunities and serve the world through volleyball,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to using sport as a vehicle for positive change.
Significance of the Award
The KISS Humanitarian Award has been bestowed upon numerous esteemed global leaders, Nobel Prize winners, and prominent individuals from various sectors, highlighting its global importance and esteemed reputation. This recognition not only honours Dr Graça’s contributions to volleyball but also highlights the role of sports in fostering community spirit and enhancing social cohesion.
