A thirteen-member team of ten players and three officials left Dominica Saturday for Suriname, where they will be representing Dominica in the 2010 Caribbean Volleyball Championships, which will run from August 7th to 15th.
The team which will be coached by Albert Loblack, comprises Anna Maria Xavier (captain), Catherine Francis, Elizabeth Joseph, Lisa James, Keysha Davis, Joycelyn Loblack, Shari Pascal, Amelia Joseph, Onica Joseph and Lorraine Lockhart, who is making her debut on the national squad. James Dominique
has the assignment as manager of the team; while Marcus Blondel will serve as a referee.
Three prominent players who represented Dominica at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Championship held in St.Lucia in June, and who contributed significantly to Dominica’s success at that qualifying tournament were not included on the team for the Caribbean Championships. Marcia
Gustave, Samantha Smith and Lenel Williams were not available for various reasons. Marcia Gustave, a member of the Police Force is currently on a training exercise with the Regional Security System (RSS) in Barbados, while requests for time off for Samantha Smith and Lenel Williams were not granted.
President of the Volleyball Association, Rupert Sorhaindo expressed frustration over the fact that after several months of training for, and anticipation of the opportunity to participate in the regional tournament, the players had not been given “time off” by their employers to represent Dominica. He went on to express the opinion that the decision by those employers was a reflection of their lack of appreciation for the valuable contribution made by the sports associations to the development of our youth and by extension, to national development. He went on to suggest that such decisions could lead to discouragement of the many persons who volunteer their time and energies – and often financial resources, to assist in the development of the country’s youth through sport.
Mr. Sorhaindo also lamented the fact that response to appeals made to various sectors in the society for assistance to help defray some of the tournament expenses, was very discouraging. However he expressed the Volleyball Association’s thanks to the National Lotteries Commission, Dominica Brewery
& Beverages, Ltd., Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation and Mr. Carol Phillip of Campbell’s Business Systems & Services Ltd. for their support.He also recognized contributions of various food commodities, made by O.D. Brisbane & Sons and Dexia.
The airfare for the team is being met by the North and Central America and Caribbean Continental Volleyball Federation, NORCECA.
Meanwhile the Men’s National Team is preparing for the 2010 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Volleyball Championships to be held in Tortola in September, where the Dominican men are hoping to qualify for the Continental (NORCECA) Championships, to be held in the Dominican Republic in 2011.
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