Volleyball Coach bitter-sweet

Marlon Williams, Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines male and female Volleyball teams to the just concluded Winlott. Inc Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, is happy about this country’s maiden success in that discipline, but is equally peeved over the alleged cold shoulder given to the sport by government authorities.{{more}}

Williams, who is also the Vice President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association (SVGVA), said that those in authority seem not to appreciate the potential of the sport.

He was speaking about the authorities” bluntly refusing” to pay the cost of shipping and waiving the duties on an interlocking court, which was offered to the local association by the continental federation: North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (NORCECA), for Volleyball use only.

Williams said that discussions were held with the Director of Physical Education and Sports, Nelson Hillocks, the National Sports Council and the Junior Minister of Sports, Senator Cecil Mc Kie, but they could not give a commitment for such an undertaking for a single sport.

Mc Kie confirmed to SEARCHLIGHT that he along with other government officials held dialogue with the Volleyball Executive and indicated to them that with the limited sporting facilities here, they could not allow for exclusivity to one sport.

But Williams is contending that despite this, the rings could have been secured, then a suitable place could have been found in the future to lay them down.

The Volleyball Vice President acknowledged that the NSC had given an alternative of the Arnos Vale Netball Complex, but Williams said that with water fetes and similar activities taking place there, the surface would deteriorate much faster.

“We passed up an opportunity to help the sport, which would have also helped in reducing the wear and tear on the Volleyballers body,” Williams said.

Williams said, regrettably, the rings, which cost about US$32,000, will go to another country which is already blessed with proper facilities.

At present, the Girls’ High School court is the main venue where local Volleyball activities, including competitions, take place.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball teams to the annual school games played unbeaten, which helped this country to retain the overall title.

There have been numerous calls in various quarters for an indoor facility to be put down here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but to no avail. (RT)