International tournament in Burnaby reaches beyond the volleyball court and into the community

A group of 16 youth leaders from Red Fox Healthy Living Society came to the NORCECA U19 Men’s Continental Championship at Simon Fraser University to learn more about the sport and how they can incorporate volleyball into their local community programs for children who face barriers. The Society serves children and families in the Lower Mainland through cultural and employment training programs.

The youth leaders took part in a workshop on how to teach smashball – a fun and engaging way to introduce volleyball to children aged six to 12. “They get to learn it, teach it and then go inspire more kids,” said Chrissy Benz, project manager for the Community Sport for All Initiative. “We want to take all the exciting aspects about having a NORCECA continental championship and continue to build the roots and then also planting the seeds back into the community,” added Benz. “We held a wonderful workshop where the youth leaders experienced Smashball, so they can bring it back to other students and keep spreading the joy of volleyball.”

Following the workshop, the participants saw a game featuring Dominican Republic and Panama. And two of the workshop participants were right on the volleyball court as volunteers running and retrieving the balls. “This was a first-time experience and another leadership opportunity for our youth,” said Suki Chhoeun, program manager for the Red Fox Health Living Society. “It was electrifying. For our youth to be exposed to high-calibre sports, it can motivate them to want to potentially go into volleyball or even to teach volleyball to the kids we work with. None of us have been to an experience like this. It was unreal.”

For Nathan, one of the youth leaders, this was the first time seeing international volleyball. “I’ve got to say that I am hooked. I quit volleyball to pursue hockey, but I think I may want to go back to volleyball.”

Tournament Update – Canada vs. Costa Rica in semifinal on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

The NORCECA U19 Men’s Continental Championship continues this weekend with the semifinals on Saturday evening. Canada plays Costa Rica at 6 p.m.  The United States plays Mexico at 8 p.m.   The winners of these two matches go onto the gold medal game at 4 p.m. on Sunday.  The bronze medal game is at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets and How to Watch

Tickets online:  https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/norceca-u19-tournament-4828765

Tickets are also available at the SFU West Gym.

Watch online at CBC Sports and YouTube.

Explore Burnaby is the presenting sponsor of the tournament.

Story by Sam Corea

Competition Images courtesy of Volleyball Canada and NORCECA

Smashball workshop participant image courtesy of Chrissy Benz and Suki Chhoeun