At 88 years old, Dr. Endre Holvay had watched volleyball evolve for more than a half-century. "The early versions of volleyball seem to be a sport different from that played today," Holvay said in an interview with VolleyWorld magazine. 

The Budapest native was introduced to volleyball as a high school student. As a competitive national player, he helped found the Hungarian Volleyball Federation. Holvay served the federation as a player, a coach and a referee. 

Holvay served two-terms, 1955 to 1963 and 1974 to 1980, as Hungarian Volleyball Federation President. He was also president of the Organizing Committee and National Referee Committee. 

Holvay was the Vice President of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball for two- terms, 1959 to 1961 and 1970 to 1972. He also served as president of FIVB's Referee Commission. 

The federation has recognized Holvay for contributions to the sport with numerous accolades. Among his honors are the memorial diploma from 1977, order of merits from 1980, Centennial medal from 1995, and the Silver Cross, which recognizes his "outstanding contribution to the world prestige and image of volleyball," from 2002. 

Since 1965, Holvay has served the National Hungarian Olympic Committee. The committee has recognized him with its highest honors, including the medal of merit in 1998, for his contributions to volleyball and sports. 

His country has also recognized him with the Hungarian People's Republic Sport gold medal in 1988, the order officer cross in 1994, Sports Prize in 1998 and the Youth and Sports Minister's Count Miksa Eszterhazy prize for life-works. 

Holvay graduated from Pazmany Peter University following his service in World War II. After receiving his Doctorate in Law, he worked as a systems organizer and computer center director.