Ni Edwin Rollon
TULOY ang paghahanap ng bagong volleyball stars at kasangga rito ang Community Volleyball Association (CVA).
Lalarga na ang pinakabagong volleyball league, tampok ang Open Conference at 18-under developmental – sa Oktubre 27 sa Ynares Center sa Pasig City.
Super Typhoon Ofel, napanatili ang lakas habang nasa northeast ng Echague, Isabela
Kabuuang 11 koponan – anim sa Open at lima sa 18-under developmental division -- ang nauna nang nagpahayag ng paglahok sa community-based women’s volleyball tournaments na inorganisa ni CBA founder Carlo Maceda kasama si Alvin Tañada bilang tournament director.
“With the growing popularity of volleyball in the country, the CVA is an ideal venue for young and talented players to showcase their skills,” pahayag ni Tañada sa kanyang pagbisita sa “Usapang Sports” ng Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) kahapon sa National Press Club sa Intramuros, Manila.
“With live TV coverage, we’re confident of achieving our purpose of uplifting grassroots development program through a high-standard competition platform and bringing the sport closer to the people,” ayon kay Tañada, sinamahan sa lingguhang sports forum ni dating Ateneo standout at CVA deputy tournament Marge Tejada.
Nakataya sa torneo at P1-million cash prize sa Open Conference champion, habang may P250,000 sa 18-under winner.
Ayon kay Tejada, kasangga ni Alyssa Valdez sa Ateneo, inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng iba pang koponan upang makiisa sa pambihirang torneo sa grassroots level.
"As part of the CVA program, we're conducting coaches seminar and clinics para mas mabigyan natin ng mas mataas na kaaalaman ang ating mga batang players. We're doing our best effort para makatuklas tayo ng mga bagong volleyball stars ," pahayag ni Tejada.
Ilan sa kompirmadong lalahok sa Open Conference ang Philippine Air Force, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Binangonan at Rizal.
Sa 18-under, ang mga nauna nang nagpalista ay ang Gracel Christian, St. Mark’s, Quezon City, Biñan (Laguna) at General Trias (CAvite).
Pangangasiwaan ang torneo ng One United Volleyball Referees Association (1-UVRA), na binubuo ng Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) at Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) referees.
Nakiisa rin sa programa na itinataguyod ng Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks, sina Gracel Christian College sports director Judel Guiraldo at players Kat Galledo at Akisha Saberon, gayundin sina St. Mark’s Institute head coach Owen Patdu at players Aizzelle Patdu at Irish Claire Labay.
