DVA Launch ‘A’ Division League at 704 Lounge
May 11, 2017 , http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....eague-at-704-lounge/
By Rawle Welch
In a simple, but impressive Launch that was conducted at the 704 Lounge, the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) unveiled its plans to host an ‘A’ Division League for teams within Demerara and Bartica.
The competition which will be played in Georgetown, Linden and Bartica will see clubs such as Castrol Strikers (male and female), Van guards (female), Demerara U-19 Male, Young Achievers (male), St Cuthbert’s Mission (female), Bartica Warriors (males), Linden (females) battle for prize monies and trophies worth in excess of $400,000.
In attendance at Tuesday’s Launch were President of the DVA Trevor Williams, Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) President John Flores, representative from the Office of the Prime Minister Raymond Hall, Stag Beer Brand Manager Linden Henry, National Sports Commission (NSC) representative Gervy C. Harry and players from the participating clubs.
GVF President Flores, who was the first to give remarks, thanked the DVA for coming up with the initiative which according to him has come at a good time.
Flores said for the first time a number of communities will have the opportunity to witness top flight volleyball and this development he added could provide the fillip that the sport badly needs.
He pointed out that the fans will get the chance to see most of the top players in action as they represent their clubs and this will guarantee a high standard of volleyball.
Hall whose entity is one of the major sponsors said they were pleased to be involved in the event, adding that a tournament of this nature could prompt better co-operation and cohesion among the teams and communities, while also serving as a long term investment in the development of the sport.
The sponsor’s representative said with 2020 being an Olympics year, the timing of the tournament could not be more significant.
He said he would like to see Guyana make a strong effort to qualify for that event and the staging of this tournament could serve as the commencement of preparations for such an endeavour.
Hall reiterated how glad the Office of the Prime Minister was to be part of the activity and wished that the sport continues on the path of development.
NSC’s Harry in his presentation congratulated the DVA for organising the tournament, before lightheartedly noting the repeated calls made by the President, urging that he confirms the Commission’s support for the event.
Harry threw out a challenge to the volleyball fraternity to extend the sport to other far flung communities since it is his belief that an abundance of talent reside in those areas.
Henry in his remarks said the sponsorship goes way beyond financial support, but should also be seen as assisting in the further development of the game.
He said the tournament is an indication that volleyball is about to take a great leap and Stag Beer is happy to be on board.
Henry, who admitted that he tried his hands in the sport before, spoke of the absence of fans and urged them to come out and support the tournament which he is predicting will be a huge success.
Saving the best for last, Williams referred to the occasion as a special day for the Association, but more particularly the sport.
He stated that the hosting of the tournament is the result of hard work, informing that since taking office last year, the executive has been attempting to take the sport in the right direction.
Williams spoke of the DVA’s efforts to resuscitate the game in Linden; previously a community that provided a number of outstanding players to the national grid.
He thanked members of his executive and all the sponsors for their crucial support, before imploring fans to come out and witness the stars of the future in action. The tournament which starts on May 21 will run until July 29 with the final set for Bartica.
Meanwhile, the winning men’s team will receive $150,000 and trophy and runners-up $75,000, while the third and fourth placed teams collect trophies and medals.
In the female category, the winners will take home $125,000 and trophy, while runners-up cart off $50,000, while the third and fourth placed teams receive trophies and medals.