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FIVB AND GERFLOR SIGN AGREEMENT
ATLANTA, GA, MARCH 7, 2005 - Gerflor, the parent company of Taraflex® Sports Flooring, and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, have agreed to an exclusive four-year international contract. As of January 1, 2005, Taraflex® Sports Flooring by Gerflor will be used for every FIVB-sanctioned competition and event worldwide.
FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta believes the new partnership will benefit the world's volleyball players.
"The fundamental reason, which leads us to the current agreement is the fact that we are 100% confident as to Gerflor's level of investment in research and development," said Dr. Acosta. "We adhere to the exceptional quality of Taraflex® sports floors. The aspect of safety is essential. Considering the comfort and safety levels of a Taraflex® sports floor we are in complete harmony with the requirements of players."
The relationship between the two organizations began with the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976 and continued for the next 24 years. At that time, both sides agreed to re-evaluate their positions.
Marie-Christine Gillet, director of Gerflor's Taraflex® Sports Flooring Division, said the respite was necessary and helpful to both parties who renewed their perspectives.
"The period emphasized the attachment Taraflex® Sports Flooring has towards its core values, namely, the continuous technological advances (special playing surfaces which reduce the risk of friction burns when diving), the respect of our commitments through the constant promotion of sports flooring, and the quality of our product and services," explained Gillet.
The two organizations have teamed up to make the sport of volleyball more accessible around the world especially in less affluent nations where lack of funding often means volleyball players do have the chance to play on a safe, high quality sports floor. The theme of the renewed partnership is "Think volleyball, develop volleyball."
"On both the international and national level, this common agreement is based primarily around the safety aspect of a sports flooring," noted Helgi Thorsteinsson, FIVB technical director. "The Taraflex® playing surface remains the fundamental element in terms of slide, shock absorption, even footing (when diving or jumping) and energy return. Gerflor is synonymous with the assurance that the flooring will not be the cause of fatigue."
Statistician Arnaud Bessat also noted the importance of performance sports flooring for the players who are constantly jumping during a game. "In theory and in competition a player will jump between 120 and 150 times during a match," said Bessat. "When he does not possess the ball his attacks are not taken into account." Other parameters with a direct impact on the game are perfect footing, improved slide control and reduced shoe scuffing.
"The agreement signed with the FIVB guarantees the presence of Gerflor in all international competitions," said Jean-Pierre Seppey, FIVB General Manager. "This guarantee is very attractive as there are quite a number of events every year. We also have put much importance on the fact that Gerflor profits and gets a fair return from its investment. This joint agreement must be positive both in terms of image and in turnover."
Taraflex® Sports Flooring 3D or Sport M will be used at the following FIVB-sanctioned competitions for the coming four years: Men and Women's Senior World Championships, Men and Women's Junior World Championships, Men's World League, Women's World Gran Prix finals and Men and Women's World Cup.
With over 35 million members, the FIVB boasts the biggest indoor sports federation in the world with 3 million members in Europe and 3.5 million in North America. Visit the web site at www.fivb.org.
Taraflex's multi-layered construction includes 100% pure vinyl, reinforced fiberglass mesh and closed-cell foam backing to provide shock absorption, help fight fatigue and deliver consistent ball bounce. Product treatments Sanosol® and Protecsol® prevent bacteria growth and resist scuff marks and common stains. Taraflex® floors meet and exceed the stringent performance standards mandated by all major flooring associations. Gerflor Sports Flooring, LLC is the exclusive agent for Gerflor Sports Flooring.
For more information, call 800-727-7505.