President of the Guyana Volleyball Association (GVA) Lenox Shuffler says he is extremely satisfied with the enthusiasm and discipline shown by the newly certified participants during the South American Volleyball Federation’s Beach Volleyball coaching clinic.
The course, which ran for five days, concluded yesterday at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground, Carifesta Avenue.
The course was conducted by chief instructor Fernando Costa Marques and his assistant Rodrigues
Roberto both of whom are from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The course was primarily set to focus on making Guyana more diverse in the beach format of the sport by enabling participants to become more familiar with advanced coaching aspects as well as developing their skills as volleyball players.
Shuffler told Stabroek Sports that he was… “Pleased from all angles,” to see that the sessions were well received and that the discipline along with punctuality exhibited by the participants reflected a good sign of their dedication towards the sport.
He also explained that Guyana was currently at a Category 1 level, whereas facilitators Brazil was a Category 5. He, however, stated that with the course now completed, the professionalism shown by the players will certainly take Guyana to the top level.
Participants from Berbice, Demerara, the Rupununi and North West district of Moruca were diligently involved in the sessions which taught the importance of team strategy, setting, receiving, serving and other vital areas of the two-on-two format of the sport. Coordinator Captain John Flores also pointed out that he was happy to see the commitment from the players and explained that the importance of this course was to afford persons the opportunity to be their own coach and to get a better understanding about planning their own training sessions.
“It was a good course, it was one that made us more aware and skilled in beach volley,” he said adding that…“it was also good for the country and the players.” Apart from coaches and players involved, the course saw contributions from a few school teachers who are expected to significantly add to the progression of the sport in schools.
Meanwhile, the two coaches from the Amerindian districts stated that their clubs in the villages focus primarily on cricket, football and volleyball and that they will use their new knowledge and accreditation to spike off clinics of their own in order to further develop the sport in their communities.
Prior to the ceremony where participants received official documentation which confirmed their successful involvement in the course, Marques told the students that the course was not about certification, rather it was more about the dedication and commitment shown throughout the week.
In his brief remarks the instructor said: “I am very happy with the results, moreso the improvement and commitment shown.”
He also thanked the GVF for its support and involvement while encouraging the clinics participants to continue developing their skills and familiarity of the sport.
