Star volleyballer sparks interest

Joseph, who switched from regular volleyball to the beach version four years ago recently teamed up with assistant coaches Pauline Woodruffe and Andrea Kinsale to impart knowledge in the growing sport to scores of youngsters.

Some were trying their hands at volleyball for the very first time at the Youth Sports Camp held recently at the Chaguanas Regional Indoor Auditorium.

The opportunity to play a key role in the three-week camp was facilitated by the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TTVF) and Joseph’s employer, Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago where she works in the Finance Department.

“The camp has been a great experience. The children are all new to the sport but they really enjoyed it when they began to get a hang of the game.

“ Volleyball is growing in popularity but we have to start grooming our players from an early age. I’ve already identified great future talent right here in central Trinidad, and with the assistance of the parents and the TTVF we can produce future Olympians,” said Joseph.

She has held the women’s national championship crown, along with her current partner Elki Phillip, and also with her previous partner Andrea Davis for the past five years, 2004 to 2008.

A qualified coach, the effervescent Atlantic LNG employee thanked the company which sent her on a sports scholarship, for actively supporting her passion.

“The company has supported me 100 percent and I intend to give something back in return. Coaching these children at this camp is just a start in that direction,” Joseph pointed out.

Joseph and Phillip placed fourth in the North and Central American and Caribbean Games (NORCECA) in March 2008, and are currently undergoing intensive training arranged by the TTVF in order to prepare them for gold at the Caribbean Games to be held July 2009.

In that tournament the best of the English, French and Spanish speaking Caribbean will be represented.

Atlantic LNG’s support of the camp went even further with a motivational talk in the final week from its vice-president, Finance and Administration, Moonilal Lalchan, who urged the youngsters to try to become the best they can be in whatever field they choose.

Lalchan cited the example of boxing legend Muhammed Ali, who declared that he would be the great boxer of all times and went on to fulfill his dream despite several obstacles, including imprisonment for evading military draft in the United States.

He also drew inspiration from his own childhood when he was just an average student but persevered and prayed to God, so that he was able to reach one of the highest positions in one of the leading companies in Trinidad and Tobago.

He also urged the children to look for role models to pattern themselves after. “Life and success do not start or stop at academics.