AFTER spending a decade at the wheel, Lennox (Lenny) Shuffler is willing to relinquish his seat in the Guyana Volleyball Federation’s (GVF) chain of command if ‘new blood’ can come to the fore.
Shuffler, who has been president of the federation since 2000 (officially elected from 2001), said that the game has had a period of success and he is pleased with the “responsible action” of the younger members, who are: “getting involved, and doing things”.
“I would prefer if someone could step up to the plate (at the GVF elections) … if we don’t find anyone and if the members want me to return, I will.”
Elections of office-bearers are scheduled for later this month.

EXPERIENCE
Shuffler, who turns 72 in February, has been involved in the game for 59 years as both player and administrator.
From the age of 13 he has played volleyball and during that time has accumulated numerous records and accomplishments: youngest player (a 19-year-old) on the first ever national team outside Guyana (1958); the most successful international captain, with two Caribbean Championship titles (1964 in Guyana and 1965 in Jamaica) along with local and international recognition for his innovations during the years of service to the game.
Since elected in 2001 the volleyball president has served two consecutive four-year terms (the last term is running for more than the allotted time); prior to that he acted as president under the Flores Administration.

FUTURE

If Shuffler is replaced he still wants to be a part of the sport: “The development of volleyball is my main concern; I would still be there to offer service, to help”.
After hosting three “successful tournaments” during the last eight months, the current head is confident that the sport’s development is on track.
He said that along with local efforts, the international body will for the first time lend assistance to the developing countries (level 1 and 2), which should help the further advancement of the game.
The year’s action will serve off in about two weeks with a Berbice Volleyball Association’s competition followed by an All Fours Outdoor competition on February 5 to celebrate Shuffler’s birthday.