Another step forward for volleyball development in Vanuatu

REPRINTED FROM FIVB e-NEWS:  Tanna, Vanuatu, February 6, 2013 - FIVB World Tour beach volleyball player, Henriette Iatika, helped run a five-day volleyball programme on the Vanuatu island of Tanna along with representatives of the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation. The programme, which took place from January 28 to February 1 in the town of Lenakel is part of a broader project funded by an Australian Government Pacific Sport Development grant under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP). The purpose of the ASOP grant is to train local people to become volleyball coaches, to promote the game and to provide opportunities for leadership and teaching experience with the possibility of long-term involvement in volleyball. The Australian Government and the  FIVB provided funding and assistance  for the five day programme, which  included the participation of local  beach volleyball great, Henriette Iatika Over the five day period, the programme provided training to local youth leaders, teachers and volleyball coaches in all aspects of volleyball and beach volleyball, focusing on the transfer of practical skills as well as development, refereeing and competition management know-how.  A competition for local school children aged 10 to 14 was held on the last day with the trainers responsible for coaching a team and refereeing the matches. In her presentation Henriette Iatika spoke to the local youth about her journey as a professional athlete, which now involves travelling the world playing on the FIVB World Tour. The programme was a great success with 14 people participating in the training and 25 students playing in the competition.  The ASOP-funded volleyball project will also travel the Vanuatu islands of Ambae (February), Santo (March) and Motalava (April).