It is with deep sadness that the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), in partnership with the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TTVF), announces the passing of Coach Paulo Roberto Moreira Da Costa, an internationally acclaimed volleyball coach whose career and legacy have left an indelible mark on the global sporting community.
Coach Paulo was a two-time World Champion and remains the only coach to have won major titles in Europe, Asia, and South America. His outstanding career included guiding Italy’s men’s beach volleyball team to the Olympic podium, coaching Chile to Pan American Games gold, and nurturing generations of athletes to success across continents.
In what would become his final contribution to the sport he so dearly loved, Coach Paulo dedicated himself to the recently held Beach Volleyball Development Camp at the Courland Beach Sport Arena, Tobago (August 27–30, 2025). Working with more than 50 youth athletes and coaches from across the Caribbean, he shared his unmatched expertise, technical mastery, and passion for athlete development. His work in Tobago focused not only on preparing athletes for future competitions such as the Youth Olympic Games, World Championships, and Lima 2027, but also on instilling values of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Referred to as “future Olympians” during the camp’s opening by the Secretary of Sports of the Tobago House of Assembly, these young athletes benefited from Paulo’s mentorship at a crucial stage of their development. His efforts also built on the legacy of the Commonwealth Youth Games, which provided Tobago with a world-class beach volleyball facility to foster youth growth and excellence.
Annette Knott, Secretary General for the TTOC said, “Coach Paulo’s contribution at the recently concluded camp will be remembered as one of great inspiration. His dedication to youth development and his commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on all involved. We are proud that his final days of service to the sport he loved were spent here in Tobago, helping to prepare the next generation of future Olympians.”
Coach Paulo’s impact extended beyond technical instruction. He inspired, connected, and empowered every participant, leaving behind not only stronger athletes but stronger individuals. His final days of service exemplified his lifelong dedication to advancing beach volleyball and supporting youth across the region.
President of CAZOVA, Mushtaque Mohammed, stated “during his short stay with us in Tobago, Paulo gave generously of his time, his knowledge, and his heart”. “He believed in nurturing athletes, guiding coaches, and building a community grounded in respect and love for the game”. “Beyond the courts, he was a man of warmth and humility, always willing to share a smile, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand”.
TTOC, CAZOVA, and TTVF extend their heartfelt condolences to Coach Paulo’s family, friends, and the wider volleyball community. His passing represents a profound loss, but his legacy will endure in the lives of every athlete he touched and in the continued growth of beach volleyball in the Caribbean and beyond.
His spirit, mentorship, and love for the game will forever remain with us.
TTOC Statement