Bermuda was among ten nations to benefit from a major developmental push for volleyball in the Caribbean, as the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) concluded a high-level workshop in St. Kitts.
The initiative, part of the FIVB’s transformational Volleyball Empowerment Programme, saw an investment of $60,000 to foster growth and leadership across the region.
The workshop, titled "Foundations for the Future," attracted 51 participants from across the ECVA zone, including key delegates from Bermuda. The sessions focused on strengthening federations through "Knowledge Transfer," a pillar of the FIVB’s global strategy to elevate the sport.
ECVA President Glenn Quinlan expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative nature of the event. "The sessions provided meaningful content for the attendees, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Member Federations to ensure we move forward collectively," Quinlan said.
For Brandon Sousa, Co-President of Bermuda Volleyball, the focus on structural integrity was the standout takeaway. Sousa, who has previously represented Bermuda on the NORCECA circuit, emphasized that good governance is the bedrock for the sport's expansion in the region.
“Our collaboration with fellow member national federations during this development workshop has been invaluable,” Sousa said. “By sharing insights and best practices, we are not only strengthening our individual programs but also uniting as a collective force to elevate volleyball across the region.”
Sousa added that this unified approach is essential to overcoming regional challenges and "paving the way for a brighter future for the sport".
The workshop follows a series of successful coaching and refereeing programs held last year, further cementing the partnership between the ECVA, the FIVB, and Olympic Solidarity.
Volleyball Canada President Mark Eckert, who served as a presenter, lauded the "Together as One" mentality displayed by the delegates. He noted that the shared knowledge would serve as a vital foundation for the collective improvement of the ECVA zone.
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