Volleyball family mourns death of CEV Honorary Member Fabio Sassi

The Volleyball family mourns the death of CEV Honorary Member Fabio Sassi who passed away in Rome earlier today at the age of 85. 

Sassi had started his career in the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) in 1956 and worked relentlessly for the organisation until his retirement in June 1999. In the early days of almost a lifetime spent for Volleyball, he was a member and then Secretary of the Italian Sport Organising Commission. Afterwards, he made responsible for international events organised in Italy (such as the 1978 men’s World Championship, several Olympic qualification tournaments, European Championship finals, and World League matches). During the 1980 Olympic Games held in Moscow, he acted as Team Manager of the men’s national team that finished the competition in ninth place. 

Sassi enjoyed a long international career, whereby he became a well-known and much respected figure in Volleyball. From 1979 up to 2011 he was a member of the CEV European Sports Organising Commission (ESOC), which he chaired from 1983 to 2005. As such, he was a co-opted Member of the CEV Board of Administration and the legacy of his contribution to the development of the structure and organisation of many CEV competitions still stands to this day. In his capacity as ESOC President and Member, he attended many events and competitions as Supervisor and Technical Delegate.

Sassi was also a member and Secretary of the FIVB Sports Organising Commission. He always distinguished himself for his strong work ethic, unique sense of humour, and immense passion for Volleyball.

Back in 2012, together with his friends and colleagues Thanassis Beligratis, Andreas Stavrou, and Jacques Shaw, Sassi was made a CEV Honorary Member at the CEV General Assembly held in Luxembourg. 

The most heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and three daughters, relatives and friends at this difficult time.