GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MYSC) partnered with the Grand Bahama Volleyball Association (GBVA) and representatives from Bowie State University for a four-week-long Volleyball Summer Camp which yielded impressive numbers to the end.

Eighty-four students, including students from Abaco, Bimini and New Providence, were registered at the start of the camp which ran from June 28 - July 26, 2024.

The camp was held in intervals at St. George’s Gymnasium, Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium, and the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

Nerissa Lockhart, MYSC Senior Sports and Recreation Officer, pointed out that the camp is proof that the volleyball Association is on the right path and the summer camps are the Ministry’s way to ensure the kids leave knowing something about that discipline.

“I’ve always felt the Volleyball Association has been the ideal sporting organization on the island.  I’ve expressed to Ms. Armbrister the fact that they actually have a vibrant junior component and that’s what we’d like to see in other organizations.  They are the feeder system to your senior leagues and therefore it's very encouraging,” she said.

GBVA President Armbrister said she was particularly overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the campers and the love they have for the sport and she is grateful for the partnership with the MYSC and Bahamian Coach Edric Poitier, the head coach at Bowie State University who returned to Grand Bahama for the camp.

 
“I love it. This is pretty much what we are here for and this is what we signed on to do; not only build the community but create opportunities for education and for these kids to come back and pour back into the community,” she said.

Armbrister stressed that with the level of commitment and talent she has witnessed over the four weeks she is convinced that the sky's the limit for volleyball in The Bahamas.

She is also optimistic about having a combined Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team with the Northern Bahamas to compete in the United States.

“We are back after about a five-year hiatus, so we’re trying our best to do our part; and while we have the kids who are here involved and anxious, we’ll make sure that it’s not because they didn’t have an opportunity and that’s what we’re doing now.”

Coach Poitier, who brought nine of his players from the United States with him and even travelled to Abaco during the first week to facilitate a one-day clinic, said he was excited to see so many of the kids.

“I can’t wait to see what the potential is for volleyball in the country.  Grand Bahama and Abaco have already planted the seed and all we need to do is continue to build from there,” he said, noting between Grand Bahama and Abaco there is enough talent to build an Under 19 national team.

“There are a few 16-year-olds who are hitting at the level that 19 and 20-year-olds are hitting at.  All they need is a little bit of guidance,” Poitier said.

Four-week Volleyball Camp hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Grand Bahama Volleyball Association, with guest coach from Bowie State University -- finishes with impressive numbers. (BIS Photos/Jamika Culmer)