Local News

First national volleyball tournament in 15 years starts Sunday

The Grenada Volleyball Association (GNVA) is into final preparations for the staging of its first tournament in 15 years.

Association President, Richard Simon says the tournament is welcomed news to lovers of the sport who have been playing in groups around the country but without the coordination of a national association.

“We are very pleased with the level of interest shown in the game by people all around the country. The fact that the game continues to thrive even without a functioning body shows the level of interest in and commitment to this Olympic sport,” he said.

The tournament will run over a two week period beginning Sunday December 7th 2008 with an opening ceremony at the Carenage Sports Complex from 3.00pm. Already eight men’s and 2 ladies teams have committed to participating in the tournament. The teams will be divided into two zones with a semifinal and a final. In the case of the ladies, the two teams will play a best of five series to determine the winner.

There are a number if new teams participating in the event including one from Carriacou.

“There are many international organizations, including the North, Central American and Caribbean Grouping (NORCECA) the Caribbean Volleyball Organisation (CARZOVA) willing to assist Grenada in its development. Our end of the bargain is that we maintain our organization and participate in regional and international meetings,” said President Simon.

In a bid to revive the game the association has already held volleyball clinics in three parishes to encourage those who play the sport to get organized and to introduce the sport to others. Organized groups were provided with a volleyball net and balls as a first step to making the sport more available to the community.

The Grenada Volleyball has expressed appreciation to Beacon Insurance, the Ministry of Sports and the Grenada National Lottery Authority for their commitment to the revival and development of the sport in Grenada.

President Simon says the Association is working on an Independence inter-parish tournament and a beach volleyball tournament to be held as part of the Grenada Sailing festival.

“Beach volleyball is a huge international sport that has attracted significantly large sponsorships. We are working to develop Grenada into an international location for the sport. This is an opportunity for further enhancing Grenada’s sports tourism product,” Mr. Simon said.

In addition the redevelopment of the Grenada Youth Center to include an indoor court for Volleyball is welcomed news for the association..

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