The Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China recently hosted the kickoff ceremony for China Life (Overseas) FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League 2024 at Olympian City in West Kowloon. Xu Yunli, an Olympic gold medalist and currently serving as Deputy Director of the Department of Public Sports Teaching and Research at Fuzhou Normal University as well as Vice Dean of the School of Physical Education and Sports Science, has been invited to act as the ambassador for this prestigious event. As part of her ambassadorial duties, Xu participated in a volleyball sharing session cum autograph signing, where she eagerly shared her volleyball expertise and warmly interacted with fans and students.
Xu made visits to various institutions in Hong Kong, including Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College and Canadian International School, engaging closely with local students, individuals with disabilities, and young volleyball players, providing them with valuable on-site technical guidance. Drawing upon her rich experiences, which include a 12-year stint with the national team and participation in three Olympic Games, Xu passionately recounted the inspiring tales of the Chinese women's volleyball team and elaborated on the profound spirit it embodies. She exhorted the students to maintain their love for volleyball, carry forward the spirit of the women's volleyball team in this new era, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with their youthful vigor. Xu also took the opportunity to demonstrate volleyball fundamentals such as passing and receiving, and she watched and coached an exciting exhibition match put on by the Hong Kong U20 youth team.
It is reported that the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League (Hong Kong stage) will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium from June 11 to 16. The tournament will feature eight teams, including squads from China, Turkey, Brazil, and others. Considering that the Chinese team has yet to qualify for the Paris Olympics, this Hong Kong event holds significant importance as it serves as a crucial tournament for the team to secure their spot at the upcoming games.
(Translated by Huang Rui)