Beach volleyball is back in The Bahamas
It's official, competitive beach volleyball is back in The Bahamas after a more than 12-year lay-off.
The drought in the sport of beach volleyball motivated the Scotia Defenders Volleyball Club to join hands with the Burns House Group of Companies to host a tournament this Saturday at the Long Wharf Beach. The tournament, which is being sponsored by the brand Budweiser, is designed to revitalize the sport and will be played in three divisions. It is open to all interested persons and will start at 10 am.
According to Devince Smith, chairman of the tournament, "beach volleyball was a big sport in the country, but it fell off somewhere down the line." He said that this is an attempt by himself and members of his club to re-introduce the sport.
"We have three divisions, and there isn't an age limit, the tournament is open to all interested persons. Invitations are also being extended to visitors," said Smith.
Interested persons can sign-up to play in the women's A or B category, which will play three-a-side, and a men's A and B category. The men's A category will play a two-a-side match while the B division play a three-a-side format.
Although the country has experienced a long drought in the sport, head official in the country Kirk Farquharson said the transition will be an easy one for his team.
Regional recognized Farquharson will lead a team of four officials at the tournament. He said: "The format and the directions will follow the International Beach Volleyball rules, with some adjustments. On the international side, two sets are normally played to 21 points, but we will have to consider playing to 15 points, taking into consideration the time limit. The amount of participation will also determine the points margin.
"There isn't much difference between beach and hard court. In fact the beach volleyball rules are much easier because you don't have to look for too much, so we the officials are ready for the challenge on Saturday and are very pleased to know that The Bahamas has taken on beach volleyball."
Resident Dawn Spiranello views The Bahamas as the perfect destination for the sport. The enthused member of the Defenders Club attended St Mary's University in Canada, where she led her team to the Canadian Nationals. She was also on the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia teams where she made it to the national finals.
She said: "Well I don't consider myself as a visitor anymore, but more like a resident. I am excited to play beach volleyball again, I used to play back in Canada so I am delighted that officials here are starting it back up..."
"I am so excited because hopefully they can organize a league that can play year-round in The Bahamas. There are a lot of great athletes here and I can see the sport going places."
There are two players currently playing and training with some of the world's best athletes in the sport on the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour. Romel Knowles has officially taken up residency in the state of California and Muller Petit is currently taking time off the tour.
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Beach volleyball is back in The Bahamas
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