Josh Binstock elected to FIVB Athletes' Commission.Photo: CP Images

Canada’s Josh Binstock has been elected to the FIVB Athletes’ Commission. The two-time beach volleyball Olympian (2012, 2016) was among the five members selected by more than 400 eligible voters from all over the world.

“I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be elected for the FIVB Athletes’ Commission and bring Canadian representation to the council,” said Binstock, now a practicing chiropractor in Toronto.

“It means a lot to me as it presents a great opportunity to continue my ongoing promotion and exposure of volleyball at a national, continental and now global scale, while further strengthening the international exposure of Canadian volleyball.”

The FIVB Athletes’ Commission will be composed of 10 members, five of which are elected by the players.

“I plan to promote the values of volleyball and beach volleyball as a clean and fair sport. As a former FIVB athlete, I hope to accomplish smooth and seamless communication between the FIVB and the athletes, while advocating for the improvement of athletes’ conditions.”

Binstock continued: “As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I will also be focused on studying proposals for the athletes’ post-career opportunities since I believe engaging the FIVB athletes in the decision-making process through athlete consultation is paramount to a successful future and global growth of volleyball, all while keeping their health and safety at the forefront.”

Volleyball Canada President and CEO Mark Eckert said: “On behalf of Volleyball Canada’s board and staff, I would like to congratulate Josh on his election to the Commission. We’re confident that his background and experiences both on and off the sand will make a positive contribution to the commission and to the athletes currently representing our sport around the world.”

The five athletes elected to the Commission and announced last week are as follows: Jordan Quinn Larson (USA); Samuele Papi (ITA); Madelein Meppelink (NED); Joshua Binstock (CAN) and Anouk Vergé-Dépré (SUI).

The FIVB Athletes’ Commission will be composed of ten members. The remaining five members will be nominated by the FIVB President and appointed by the FIVB Board of Administration during its first meeting following the FIVB World Congress, which took place Feb. 05 to 07. In addition, the Commission shall have equal gender representation amongst its membership, and the same number of representatives from volleyball and beach volleyball.

Said Binstock: “Looking ahead, growing the game through new beginnings such as snow volleyball also excites me – especially being Canadian. The future is bright for volleyball in Canada and on the global scale. I am looking forward to contributing to its ongoing growth and success.”