FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2010

The Pacific Volleyball Society names Shane Donen to Serve as CEO

RICHMOND BC - The Pacific Volleyball Centre of Excellence Society today announced that its board of directors has named Shane Donen to serve as the society's Chief Executive Officer.
Donen comes to the Society as a Senior Executive with over 30 years experience in leading retail and business to business organizations in all facets of operations. Recently, Shane held the position of General Manager, Retail Merchandising Contractor at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In addition to his impressive professional career, Shane provides depth and experience within the volleyball community. He is the current president and co-founder of Seaside Volleyball Club, South Surrey/White Rock. He is the head coach of the Maccabiah Women’s National Volleyball Team, bronze medalists at last summer’s Maccabiah Games held in Tel Aviv, Israel. Shane is actively involved in the BC volleyball scene, often found coaching or supporting his family at volleyball competitions. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Society, Donen will be responsible for providing leadership, developing partnerships, creating a sustainable business model, and developing a strong communication vehicle to actively connect and interact with the volleyball community.
Volleyball has long been one of the top youth participation sports in B.C. Now there's a development program to match that interest.
Starting in September, the Richmond Olympic Oval will operate the first Volleyball Centre of Excellence in this province, an innovative concept created and refined over the past year by key members of the local and national volleyball community. While the Oval will operate the programs, the non-profit Pacific Volleyball Centre of Excellence Society will play a key advisory role, highly supported by Volleyball Canada and Volleyball B.C.
Doug Reimer, the University of B.C. head women's coach and former women's national team boss, chairs the Pacific Volleyball Centre of Excellence Society.
"The vision is to have an incredibly strong impact on the development of players -- improving their introduction to volleyball, all the way up to getting us onto the podium at the Olympics" said Reimer.
The longer-term vision for the society is to set up more centres, with the next logical steps to be Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. However the immediate impact will be focused across the Lower Mainland.
"Shane came to our attention because of his strong execution skills, his proven ability to lead top performing teams and his passion in the sport of volleyball. As we got to know Shane, we were impressed by his emphasis on developing strategic sustainability for organizations, his understanding of the volleyball community and his personal integrity," continued Reimer.
Donen said, "The Society`s vision is to enhance the skill development, popularity and growth of our sport for aspiring high performance athletes really aligns with my passion for volleyball. It is an idea that has been supported by so many top volleyball people provincially and beyond. It's a great honor to join its leadership team and have the opportunity to build on its success."
Donen has taken up his duties as of July 7.
Media Release 2
About the Pacific Volleyball Society
The Society provides leadership and guidance to Richmond Olympic Oval Volleyball Centre of Excellence with the objective of helping athletes achieve both academic and athletic goals. The Society offers superior coaching, technical leadership and the hosting of regional, national and international competitions.
About the Richmond Olympic Oval
Built for the Games. Designed for Legacy. The Richmond Olympic Oval is a breathtaking venue on the banks of the Fraser River and winner of the Institution of Structural Engineers top award for Sports or Leisure Structures. Home to long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Oval re-opened to public programming April 1, 2010. The facility’s Olympic Legacy conversion is scheduled for completion by summer 2010 and will offer an inspiring environment for all ages and skill levels to progress towards their own personal podiums.
About Volleyball BC
Volleyball BC is the Provincial sport governing body that actively encourages and enables all residents to enjoy, participate and excel in the sport of volleyball.
About Volleyball Canada
Volleyball Canada and the Provincial / Territorial Associations together aim to build Canada's position in elite volleyball, a world leader in our approach to the game and the results we achieve. We also aim to make volleyball the ‘game for everyone’ – a sport that is accessible and enjoyable for male and female Canadians of all ages and backgrounds.
- 1 -
For more information please contact:
Shane Donen
CEO, Pacific Volleyball Society
778-296-1504
sdonen@rickhansen.com
Aaron Vandenbrink
Assistant, Pacific Volleyball Society
778-296-1540
avandenbrink@rickhansen.com