The pilot project saw the FIVB, NORCECA and Olympic Solidarity support the organisation of the ECVA Beach Volleyball Championships .
The FIVB, NORCECA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), through Olympic Solidarity, have launched a joint pilot project with the aim of supporting the development of youth beach volleyball teams in the Eastern Caribbean Zone.
The project is supported through the Olympic Solidarity Youth Athlete Development programme and marks a collaborative effort between the FIVB, NORCECA and the IOC. The objective is to enhance young athletes’ exposure to high level competition and create opportunities for teams to qualify for continental and international age group competitions, such as the FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in 2025.
As part of the pilot project, the FIVB, NORCECA and Olympic Solidarity supported the organisation of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) U19 Beach Volleyball Championships held in St. Kitts and Nevis from 2 to 3 September. In particular, the FIVB is providing an annual allocation to the ECVA to organise the championships, while Olympic Solidarity is supporting the players and coaches with transportation and registration fees.
The inaugural edition of the tournament was a huge success, with youth teams from across the region; namely Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and home team St. Kitts & Nevis gathering to compete in a thrilling competition.
Saint Lucia’s Peter Emmanuel and Rio Jaden Victor took the men’s gold, leaving the silver to the home team of Julian Bristol and Vickash Sundar, while Dominica’s Bill Clarke Frederick and Mervin Mervel Mingo settled for bronze. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, DMA’s Edmund and Bully took gold, while Carr and Joseph of Antigua and Fleming and Richardson from AGU settled for silver and bronze, respectively.
Steve Tutton, the FIVB Head of Technical and Development, said:
“This innovative project demonstrates the FIVB’s commitment to continually improving volleyball across the world. The development of young athletes is vital for the future of the sport, and it is fantastic to be working with Olympic Solidarity to help provide these youth players with opportunities to develop their talent and gain experience in high level competition.”
Glenn Quinlan, President of the EVCA, said:
“The U19 Beach Volleyball Championships were a huge success, and we are particularly grateful to the FIVB, NORCECA and Olympic Solidarity for their support in establishing the event. Competitions like these Championships are crucial in helping to develop volleyball in the region and for empowering our young athletes to strive for greatness on the international stage.”
James Macleod, NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity Director said:
“We are very happy to see FIVB take advantage of the Olympic Solidarity Youth Athlete Development IF Opportunity programme. This programme assists smaller National Olympic Committees with sport specific support in order for talented athletes to access pathways that help them reach the next level and build towards the Olympic Games. With this initiative, FIVB demonstrates their commitment to provide young athletes with the opportunity to train, develop their skills and reach high level competition hence ensuring the promotion of their sport worldwide”.
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