SEIZING on a new adventure in the sport backed by the regional governing body, the Jamaica Volleyball Association (JaVA) is seeking to launch a primary/prep school programme this year and get the national court off the ground.

President of the association Major Warrenton Dixon, in an interview, cited the primary/prep programme as a part of “short-term objectives… as we believe it is one of the fundamental steps toward our long-term goal of qualifying for all major international tournaments”, he said.

Jamaica’s beach volleyball team will take part in the Central American and Caribbean Games in July, and national teams will also compete in the Caribbean Volleyball Championships in Paramaribo, Suriname from August 5-15.

Major Dixon noted that the association had also moved on the offer made by president of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORECA) Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz earlier this year to gift the island a national volleyball court if it finds a site.

“A space was identified at IPL (Independence Park Limited) but it needs to be cleared and prepared with a hard surface,” he said. “The estimate of expenditure is approximately 1$m, which we are trying to source through the SDF. The allocation has not yet been confirmed,” he pointed out.

With Jamaica earning recognition and respect through beach volleyball and the NORECA president seems willing to lend an ear to the island’s pleas, Major Dixon noted that “there is a general feeling that our regional headquarters are encouraged and pleased with the efforts of the JaVA administration to lift the profile of the sport locally and regionally.

“One could speculate that the change in administration and the subsequent quality of work put in by the new administration is the cause for this perceived new outlook.

“Real or perceived and whatever the cause, the current JaVA administration is desirous of producing quality work aimed at elevating volleyball to higher heights in Jamaica. As long as we keep this as our true focus we will not only seize and maximise opportunities presented to us but we will create the opportunities we want,” he said.

“We are currently planning to execute several volleyball and beach volleyball activities island-wide with a view to increase visibility of the sport and getting more people involved in playing the game. Fun days that will target the children primarily will be a significant part of the plan,” he explained.