One of the teams in the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association's Power League, which was launched on February 22, 2020 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture has lauded the return of the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association’s Power League. Photo: VINO/File

President of the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association (VIVA), Mr Willis Potter has highlighted the importance of attracting more young persons to the sport of volleyball in the Territory. Photo: VINO

One of the teams in the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association's Power League, which was launched on February 22, 2020 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook

Following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, players of the sport were restricted to beaches and other venues as their main training ground, the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, was damaged and subsequently used as a temporary shelter for persons left homeless.

This affected the running off of the local annual volleyball league organised by the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association (VIVA).

The Multi-Purpose Sports Complex has since been renovated and sports have returned, including volleyball.

It was the opening ceremony of the first VIVA Power League on Saturday when President of VIVA, Mr Willis Potter spoke with pride about the comeback of the sport.

"It took a lot of blood sweat and tears to get here," said Mr Potter, as he noted that the new surface installed at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex had a lot to do with the sport making a return to the venue.

The flooring was a donation of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA).

Mr Potter also applauded, in his absence, the commitment of Vice President, Mr Steven Payne, who he credited for pushing hard to get the surface sponsored and installed.

We must involve the youth

Mr Potter then highlighted the importance of attracting more young persons to the sport.

"It’s very important that we involve our youths. Volleyball in the BVI cannot go where we want it to be until we involve the youth."

The VIVA President said; however, he anticipates the participation of over 50 youths in the league this year. "This is the direction we want to go. I am going to encourage our female players to use your experience to help enhance the children that we have."

"I want to also give a shout out to the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) because a number of their students came out on that day to help assemble the court.”

Two friendly games highlighted the opening of the Power League and Dr Wheatley applauded the comeback of the league and acknowledged the efforts of everyone who played a role in getting the floor surface sponsored.

"It is a donation that is greatly appreciated by the Government of the Virgin Islands.”

Unlike the previous league where there were two divisions for women- A and B- this year will not feature a B division but rather a 20 and Under division.

On the other hand, the male division continues to have a small number of teams but, according to Mr Potter, the association will be hard at work to get some more teams for the male division.