VIVA President, Sabinah Clement and Vice President Roy Barry made the presentation of special modified balls, carts and nets. Photo credit: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Several P.E. Teachers from within the Public Schools System received Volleyball Equipment from the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association, the first of some planned iniaitives to revive the sport within Schools. Photo credit: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The presentation, made at the BVI Olympic Committee Head Quarters in Prospect Reef, saw some $3,000 worth of equipment donated. Items included ball carts, nets and special “light touch” volleyballs designed by Molten specifically for children under the age of 12.

The leather in these balls have a softer feel and are lighter than regular volleyballs to make it easier on the wrists of the youngsters and take away the sting that the normal balls would give. The aim is to encourage participation and to take away the fear of being hit by the ball.

On hand to receive the equipment were a number of the PE teachers, including Ralston Henry, Valissia Brathwaite, Cadafree “Boss” Freeman and Mr Derwin Scatliffe, who is the Head of the PE Teachers in the public schools.

The equipment was presented by VIVA President Sabinah Clement and Vice President Roy Barry.

The donation is part of an effort by VIVA to encourage the teaching of volleyball as part of the PE curriculum. According to President Clement, “We (VIVA) recognise that there are a number of volleyball players and enthusiasts among the ranks of the PE Teachers who want very much to teach the sport and have been doing so but apparently with limited resources. Mr Scatliffe approached us to ask whether we would be willing to assist and through the collaboration with our regional governing body NORCECA, we were able and happy to do so.”

Another initiative of the Association is a PE Teachers Training Course slated for 3 – 8 October in the VI. This course will be conducted by Mr Tony Westman who is an International Volleyball Federation certified trainer from the United Kingdom. The course will run with both classroom and practical sessions to educate PE Teachers and coaches on methods and techniques of teaching the game to young persons.

Although the course is strategically targeting PE Teachers, it is also open to any other persons interested in teaching volleyball at whatever level as the skills gained are easily transferable to other age groups.

At the end of the course, every participant will have to pass a written test and be presented with an internationally recognised certification. This certification can be a first step to further levels of certification within the framework of the international Volleyball Federation. Later this year in November, VIVA will be paid a visit by Coach Café of Brazil who will make a rotation through the schools with the PE teachers to help reinforce the skills learned at this course.

VIVA is therefore encouraging any and all interested persons to register for this course by contacting them at bvivolleyball@yahoo.com or by calling its PRO Mr Cleave Farrington on 5421007.