THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has partnered with the Samaritan Sports Support System in an effort to introduce volleyball to primary schools through teachers.The one-week programme which commenced on Monday is scheduled to last for one week and it is aimed at targeting 30 primary schools throughout Georgetown.
The course will be facilitated by Federation coaches daily at the National Developmental Centre on Woolford Avenue and the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue
It will see teachers learn the basic theoretical and practical aspects of the game to a level that they are able to begin programmes in their respective schools.
The president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation. John Flores, said his Federation was extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to take the game to the primary schools
Flores opined that for proper long-term development to occur, children need to be exposed to the sport from a tender age.
Flores explained that the Samaritan Sport Support System, which is led by Robert Sam, is a local Christian body who have been partnering with various sporting federations in an effort to help alleviate depression and the exposure to negative activities, through sports in schools, communities and religious groups.
The connection was made through the National Sports Commission (NSC). The Samaritan group made initial contact with the NSC before they were directed to the GVF.
The GVF is currently engaging in international competitions for players as young as 14 and Flores feels that the introduction of the game at this level will definitely be a boost to a school programme already started by the Demerara and Berbice Volleyball Associations.
The programme is expected to continue with the inclusion of more schools in the near future as the newly formed partnership intends to take volleyball throughout the length and breadth of Guyana in an effort to help youths to utilise their energies in a more positive avenue
The primary aim of the Samaritan Sports Support System is to help develop the game of volleyball along with the Guyana Volleyball Federation.