The St Lucia Volleyball Association (SLVA) recently held their sixth consecutive Recognition Ceremony at Glen Castle Hotel. During the evening the association paid tribute to outstanding volleyball players, sponsors and highlighted the events of the past year. The ladies were the talk of the night for their performance on the court and their evening attire. Their formal wear had the guests drooling and wondering if this was indeed a fashion show not a recognition evening.
It was a successful year for the St Lucia Volleyball Association, with the men’s and women’s side winning the first round qualifiers of the 2010 World Championships of volleyball on their home court. Moving on to the next round proved more difficult as both teams got eliminated from further play.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth & Sports, Donovan Williams, congratulated the SLVBA for successful hosting those two major qualifiers which he referred to as “a major undertaking not just financially but logistically and other wise.”
Despite their success, Williams feels the SLVBA has yet to achieve its true potential because a lot more can still be achieved.
“The association is doing a good job, I don’t think there is any doubt about that,” said Williams. “But I believe with a greater level of support and contribution from members, I think the association will go even further.”
He pointed out that volley is a sport that captures the mind of young people, because it can be packaged and repackaged so it becomes something really attractive
Senior Female Volleyball Player of the Year Dania Hamilton.
Williams said the ministry remains committed to the SLVBA and have just completed a National Coaching Plan of which volleyball is a major component. He also mentioned working closely with the association on a development program particularly in communities.
“We want to ensure that the message of volleyball really spreads to a number of different communities and that persons particularly from the out districts who have not yet had a taste of what volleyball is, can really get into it,” he said.
After lavishing praise on the volleyball fraternity President of the SLVBA, Brian Louisy, looked back at 2009 and highlighted flag ship events for 2010.
He mentioned that 2009 was a good year in which St Lucia started to re-establish their dominance in the OECS. Louisy is confident that in the future, St Lucia will move even further into the third and fourth round of the World qualifiers.
He is proud of the fact that two referees Terry Faisal and Wendell Jn Baptiste, were able to successfully complete the FIVB International Referee Candidates Course. Louisy made mention of a Beach Volleyball Tour in order to make sure our two teams qualify for the 2010 CAC Games in Puerto Rico.
The SLVBA President noted that on the regional scene, St Lucia has received full recognition and acceptance at the continental and international level, as a full ledged zone in the NORCEA Federation. It means, St Lucia can now receiving funding from the FIVB and NORCEA. Secondly, St Lucia’s men and women’s competitions at the senior, junior and youth level are now automatic qualifiers to the NORCEA Continental Championships.
Well known Sports Personality, Joseph “Reds” Perreira; received this special award from President of the St Lucia Volleyball Association, Brian Louisy.
In awards presented during Recognition Night, Julian Biscette, who captained Jet Setters to the Bank of St Lucia /Guy Memorial League title, was named the Junior Male Volleyball Player of the Year.
Petal Isidore who plays for Le Club and is a senior national player, received the Junior Female Volleyball Player of the Year award. Dania Hamiltion who is Mrs Everything when it comes to volleyball on the court or beach, captured the Senior Female Volleyball Player of the Year Award. Hamilton was the MVP during the NORCEA Qualifiers and led Le Club to victory in the BOSL/Guy Memorial League competition. She also had an outstanding year in beach volleyball with partner Samantha Mann.
The Senior Male Volleyball Player of the Year Award went to Jason Octave who won just every individual trophy during the NORCEA competition here, including the overall MVP of the tournament.
A special awarded was presented to the guest speaker and former OECS Sports Coordinator, Joseph “Reds” Perreira for his contribution to the sport.
During his address, the well known cricket commentator and sports personality said OECS volleyball got even stronger and better when female competition was introduced. Only a blind man would disagree. On and off the court the ladies look stunning and their play is just as impressive.
Perreira spoke of the importance of clubs in order to create a stronger national body and feels the association is headed in the right direction.
