March 15, 2005 - The St. Lucia Volleyball Association is pulling out all the stops to make sure they can progress as far as possible at the 2006 Men’s World Championships in what they have branded “the largest ever festival of elite Volleyball”.

President of the St. Lucia Volleyball Association Brian Louisy says a major effort will be made to make sure their overseas players will be available for a Norceca first round tournament in Trinidad, from May 23-29, 2005 when Trinidad & Tobago hosts, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Dominica and St. Lucia as part of the St. Lucia Volleyball Association’s determination to take the sport of Volleyball to the next level.

Lousy explained that the 2006 World Championship journey is the Association’s "big venture" for 2005, and called on everyone who was interested in the sport to help it on the road to Japan.

"The chances of making it all the way are slim, but not impossible,” Louisy said. “We have to defeat many a goliath along the way but we know that we have great sling shots with us and we will be prepared.”

"We are seeking technical assistance to help prepare the team,” he said. “Our plan also includes inviting our good friend Paul Brasson, FIVB Coaching Instructor, to assist us."

The winner of the first round tournament in Trinidad will advance to a second round tournament in Cuba, where a ticket to the final round in Japan in 2006 will be on offer.

Meanwhile, President of the St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), Richard Peterkin, noted that the FIVB Mini School Volleyball Programme is one method of how SLOC and the Volleyball Association can work together to encourage more young people in school and in the communities to practice a sport, and at the same time introduce them to competitive Volleyball.

The programme is a new approach to the teaching and playing of Volleyball, which is designed for physical education classes; uses simplified techniques; is adaptable to facilities; and focuses in on learning through preparation.

"We need to find more programmes like this that will encourage physical activity, bring children, parents, teachers and community leaders together on a regular basis, and promote the value of teamwork, fair play, goodwill and healthy lifestyles…," Peterkin said.

Story courtesy of the St Lucia Mirror