‘Volleyball in schools’ project-Schools get new equipment |18 April 2012

The donation comes from the ‘volleyball in schools’ project initiated by the Seychelles Volleyball Federation (SVF) and which falls under the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball-sponsored three-year project entitled ‘Sustainable youth volleyball development in Seychelles’.

Under the ‘volleyball in schools’ project, the SVF has received funding of R1 million which will spread over four years. The money is being used to upgrade existing volleyball courts in schools, build 15 mini-volleyball courts, get new volleyball posts, run periodic refresher courses for Physical Education teachers and organise more volleyball competitions, especially for the younger age groups.

The first batch of equipment received comprises Mikasa MK5 volleyballs specially designed for kids, volleyball nets and Cool volleyball instruction manuals. The softer, lighter and smaller volleyballs have been specially designed to make them appealing to young kids who are being introduced to the sport.

The handing over ceremony took place last week at the Mont Fleuri primary school. SVF chairman Jude Florentine gave the equipment to education principal secretary Merida Delcy.

Also present at the ceremony were principal secretary for community development and sports Denis Rose, National Sports Council (NSC) chief executive Alain Volcère, FIVB coaching commission member Abdel Hamid El Wassimy, physical education teachers and school children.

Mr Florentine reminded those present that access is free for school children to all volleyball matches and he called on all teachers and parents to encourage kids to go and watch the matches. He also encouraged the kids to consider taking up volleyball as it is a fun, safe and non-contact sport where the risks of injuries are much lower than in other sports.

He added that as a team sport, volleyball can help children develop good team work, values and characters and also promote a healthy lifestyle. This, he said, will keep them away from the many social ills in today’s society.

Mr Florentine also thanked the partners who have contributed largely to raise past and present generations of volleyballers, especially those playing at professional level.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Delcy thanked the SVF for this generous and timely donation and reassured Mr Florentine and members of the SVF executive committee that the equipment will be used in a good way.