Sports Minister pledges more v-ball support

ROGER BOYNES, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, has pledged his full support for the development of volleyball and is hoping other youths would be inspired to participate in this exciting sport. The Minister was sharing special moments with the triumphant junior Trinidad and Tobago women team which retained the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Junior Trophy in Martinique recently. Boynes held a congratulatory function for the team at the Savannah Terrace, Hilton Hotel, on Tuesday evening. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all members of the victorious team and said: “We at the Ministry are very proud of your achievements. “You all have been very good ambassadors for the country and the sport of volleyball. The achievements of this very talented young team have brought much pride to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. We are very happy to share this moment with you to show our appreciation for your sacrifice and hard work. “I also recognise the work done by your coach and his technical staff and we at the Ministry will continue to support your efforts to achieve more successes. We will support the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation from our position.  We have the services of two Cuban coaches attached to the Ministry carrying out programmes in various parts of the country.”

Boynes and other officials including newly-appointed Permanent Secretary Nesbitt presented plaques to the outstanding players KellyAnn Billingy (Most Valuable Player and Best Hitter), Jenna Ferguson (Best Libero) and Marina Camps (Best Receiver), and to both the junior women team and the junior men team which finished fifth in their category. Boynes said: “The junior women players have become very good role models and I hope other youths will be inspired to strive for success as well. “We support sports at all levels and it’s always a source of special pride when they excel at different competitions. We look forward for more successes in the future.” Ferguson and Camps both  missed the function as well as blocker Danya Augustus who is currently in the United States on a scholarship at the Chapel Hill University, South Carolina. TTVF’s treasurer Vaughn Martin thanked the Minister for his continued support of volleyball. The TT women junior team qualified to participate in the NORCECA Junior Championships which is scheduled for Montreal, Canada, next July. And successful coach Macsood Ali started his training programme on Monday last at the UWI Sports and Physical Education Centre. The Trinidadians are preparing for a  five-match series against a team from the Albania State University from August 20.