The Florida Region of USA Volleyball is thrilled to announce that Hickory Point Beach in Tavares, Fla., has been designated as the first Beach ParaVolley (BPV) Development Center in the world by World ParaVolley.
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Advancing Beach ParaVolley
This exciting development is a significant step forward for beach ParaVolley, as it strives to be included in the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Hickory Point Beach will serve as a premier center for competitions, events, clinics, camps, and training/education opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials.
Dr. Stephen Giugni OAM, WPV Assistant Sport Director (Beach), says, “History has been created with the World ParaVolley Hickory Point Beach Development Centre being approved by the Board. This is the first beach ParaVolley development center and will serve as a focus for training, development, and events in the future as we strive to promote beach ParaVolley as an important discipline of World ParaVolley.”
A Center of Excellence
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Chris Seilkop, Chair of the WPV Beach Commission, expresses his delight, stating, “I am very pleased that the center has been approved and I look forward to the many benefits that will flow for the athletes as we work toward ensuring that beach ParaVolley will be on the sport program for LA2028.”
Joe Campbell, President for ParaVolley Pan America, adds, “I am thrilled that the Hickory Point Beach Sand Volleyball Complex has been approved as the first World ParaVolley (WPV) Beach ParaVolley development center. Now this vision is a reality, and I know it will play a vital role in catapulting our athletes forward in making Beach ParaVolley a discipline for the LA2028 Paralympic Games. This center will help in both athlete development, as well as competitions for Team USA, the Pan America Zone, and worldwide international events.”
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Hickory Point Beach, which opened in July 2014, offers 21 professional-grade courts with lights. In 2019, a 4,000-square-foot athletic center was added to support the numerous regional, national, and international events that take place at the complex each year.
The county is also making further improvements to enhance accessibility for BPV athletes, including the addition of a grand entrance and wheelchair-grade sidewalks. Since its opening, Hickory Point Beach has welcomed guests and competitors from over 100 cities in Florida, 25 U.S. states, and 15 countries.
Promoting Accessibility and Inclusivity
Executive Director for Lake County’s Economic Growth Office, Brandon Matulka, comments, “This designation showcases Hickory Point Beach’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, and we could not be prouder to have this state-of-the-art facility right here in Lake County. We are excited for the many opportunities the center will create for adaptive athletes and the beach ParaVolley community.”
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Steve Bishop, executive director/president of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, reflects on the journey that led to this milestone, saying, “When we set out on this journey to build a large-scale sand volleyball complex back in 2004, there were very few in existence, and many questioned why we would want such a complex in the middle of a state surrounded by beaches. It seemed like the right thing to do for our sport at the time, and after 10 years of planning and another seven years of hosting events, it has proven to be a good hunch.”
A Vision Supported by Many
Bishop expresses gratitude for the support received, stating, “We could not have gotten to this point without the support of many others. Lake County believed in our vision and provided the financial support. Our board of directors allowed us to tackle an endeavor never before attempted by a USAV region. The Norelli Family Foundation has been the wind in our sails lately by funding a $100,000 BPV grant to help move this vision forward. All of these, along with the WPV designation, put us on course to helping make BPV a reality at the LA2028 Paralympics. That will be the payoff for everyone involved!”
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What is the significance of Hickory Point Beach being designated as a Beach ParaVolley Development Center?
- Hickory Point Beach is the first-ever Beach ParaVolley Development Center in the world. This designation highlights its importance for training, development, and events in beach ParaVolley.
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Will Hickory Point Beach host competitions and events for beach ParaVolley?
- Yes, Hickory Point Beach will serve as a center for upcoming competitions, events, clinics, camps, and training/education opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials.
The designation of Hickory Point Beach as the first Beach ParaVolley Development Center is a momentous achievement. This state-of-the-art facility will play a crucial role in the advancement and promotion of beach ParaVolley, bringing it one step closer to becoming a discipline in the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. With its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Hickory Point Beach is set to create numerous opportunities for adaptive athletes and the beach ParaVolley community. Exciting times lie ahead as this center propels athletes forward in their journey towards achieving their dreams.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
