International Volleyball Hall of Famers and Olympic Gold Medalists Giba and Maurício Lima have concluded their 4 day visit to Perth as part of the Volleyball Institute of Performance’s Legends Tour of Australia.
Giba made his return to Western Australia for the first time since 1994, when he represented the Brazilian Junior Team against the Australian Volleyroos. Giba was thrilled to be back in Perth and to inspire hundreds of people through volleyball.
Giba said, “I’m very happy to know that there are people living the volleyball dream in Perth, a sensational experience at Aquinas College and proud to be close with very dedicated people to our sport. The city in particular is a spectacle, it is Perth-fect! I hope the Olympic seed planted bears fruit for Perth and Australia. See you soon!”
Vamos: Coaches and Athletes at the Junior Boys and Girls Clinic at Aquinas College.
Maurício, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and one of the most decorated setters in indoor volleyball history, landed in Perth for the first time. Maurício thoroughly enjoyed his time in the West and loved working with the junior athletes on the court.
“The clinics with the school students was a fantastic experience. Giba and I had the pleasure of enjoying every moment. The exchange of experiences between us professionals and junior volleyballers was spectacular and for us to share about the successes of Brazilian Volleyball in the world,” Maurício said.
That Winning Feeling: Maurício celebrates a point during the Legends Exhibition Match.
Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman visited Aquinas College to meet Giba and Maurício to discuss their volleyball experiences and vision for the sport in Australia.
“It was wonderful to meet Brazilian volleyball legends Giba and Maurício while they were here in Perth. Volleyball is a fantastic sport for people at all ages and levels of ability and it was great to hear about the vision for the sport in Western Australia,” Minister Templeman said.
Perth Reds Volleyball Association President Anthony Meo was delighted to welcome the Olympic legends to Aquinas College and to introduce them to Minister Templeman.
“Giba and Maurício are champions of our game and to have them in WA was incredibly special. Their love and passion for the development of our sport was amazing to see and they had a huge impact on our volleyball community in their time here in Perth,” Meo said.
“We were very thankful to have Minister Templeman visit us to meet these legends and for Giba and Maurício to share with the Minister about how volleyball is played all over the world,” Meo added.
Left to Right: Anthony Meo – President of Perth Reds Volleyball Association, Giba, David Templeman – Minister for Sport and Recreation, Maurício Lima and Riccardo Buttini – President of Volleyball Institute of Performance based in Victoria.
Reds Volleyball Club State League Reserves Head Coach Victor Gabriel Goncalves was reunited with Giba and Maurício after 13 years and said it was unbelievable to see his compatriots and former teammates again.
“The magic of our sport of volleyball made me grow up dreaming when I was young, living my dream as an adult, having had players like Maurício and Giba as my inspiration. Seeing them on the court again was like realising that a dream can always be repeated. Thank you Maurício and Giba,” Goncalves said.
The pair have now returned to Brazil following an action packed fortnight of volleyball activities across Australia.
All Smiles: Maurício and Giba during the Specialist Setter and Pass-Hitter Clinic.