I’m back in Vanuatu, the place where my grandfather, father, and even James Michener once traveled and worked. My grandfather, John Fitzgerald, fought to eradicate the Elephantiasis disease for the World Health Organization, and my father, John Delbert, served in the Navy during World War II. This town and island hold a special significance for my family.
Vanuatu, formerly known as New Hebrides, is a nation made up of 183 islands with 110 different dialects, each with its own unique culture. Volleyball and football are the most popular sports here. I have the opportunity to work with Sarah from New Zealand on a Women in Sport project to establish beach soccer and beach volleyball courts. The town of Espritu Santo, where I am currently based, has wide roads and is known for its excellent peanuts and mandarin oranges.
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Education is crucial in Vanuatu, where families must pay for their children to attend school. Only larger cities have public schools, and in rural areas, education is less accessible. The average monthly wage is $200, and there are no taxes, making Vanuatu a tax haven for some wealthy individuals.
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The people of Vanuatu speak a form of phonetic Pidgin English and French as their national languages. During my time here, I’ve come across some interesting phrases used in the volleyball book we are utilizing. For example, “You no allow pushum bol long finga” means that open-handed tipping is not allowed, and “Yu no save setem wan serve” indicates that setting the serve is against the rules.
To support the growth of volleyball in Vanuatu, I propose an initiative to send used volleyballs to the National Federation. Volleyballs are the most needed item for the sport here, as they can make courts and nets but lack enough balls for the kids to play with. By partnering with Regional Teams ending their season at the RVA Regionals and having them “adopt” an FIVB nation like Vanuatu, we can make a positive impact on the sport inexpensively.
Vanuatu has had its fair share of notable figures in volleyball. Former MLB player Troy Neel, who played mostly in Japan, made significant contributions to the sport while he was here. Another influential figure is William, the head of VVF, who is working closely with us on the course.
Despite some rainy weather, the course is progressing well, and the participants are eager to learn. I’m also excited to learn how to make a ball from coconut tree leaves tomorrow. The people here follow “Vanuatu time,” which is more relaxed, but they understand the importance of punctuality for international competitions.
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Brian Minikin from the Oceania Olympic Committee is a dear friend who has been instrumental in growing volleyball in the area. His knowledge of IOC grants and other resources will help support the development of the sport in Vanuatu. Debbie Wooster, the Secretary General of the Beach Volleyball Federation, has dedicated the last five years to expanding the game in Vanuatu, securing sponsors, building courts, and cultivating talent.
Natalie Cook, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball, is now coaching and training the top female players in Vanuatu. With just two talented international level players, countries like Vanuatu have the opportunity to compete at a more affordable level.
The spirit of the Vanuatu people is truly inspiring, and with the efforts of dedicated individuals like Debbie and Natalie, I believe we will see Vanuatu’s talented athletes make their mark in the South Pacific and even on the World Tour and Olympic stage.
It’s time for me to get back to the course and continue sharing ideas, even amidst the rain and the rainbows that come with it.
Nguồn: https://alpinetgheep.com
Danh mục: Volleyball
