Shuffler outlines development through activity plan at AGM

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) on Sunday spoke of opportunities and challenges facing the sport and also of his “Development through activity” plan.

Shuffler was at the time delivering the president’s report at the AGM held in the boardroom of the Albion Community Devlopment Centre. Sunday’s meeting was attended by some 35 representatives of the Berbice and Demerara Volleyball Associations.

Andrea Farias presenting antenna to BVA Rep Errol Chase.
Andrea Farias presenting antenna to BVA Rep Errol Chase.

According to a press release, Shuffler explained in detail decisions made following his attendance at the FIVB World Congress in California, USA and also from a meeting he had with the President of the FIVA and CSV, Dr. Ary Garcia in Rio de Janerio.

Shuffler also spoke of ways the Brazil Federation will assist the GVF while playing the role of a Big Brother with the intention to revive the ‘Bloc Develop-ment” Programme which was accepted by the FIVB since 2002.

The members of the “bloc’ will include Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.

Shuffler, in his report, also highlighted the work done in 2012 in promoting volleyball in primary schools through Volleyball Festivals, organized in collaboration with the Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education with support (finance and equipment) provided by the FIVB and CSB.

He also pointed out that the GVF prepared U-19 male and female teams for the annual Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) and complimented all sponsors, players and officials for successfully hosting an International Club competition which attracted teams from Suriname, Trinidad, Roraima of  Brazil and some four local teams.  Brief reports delivered by the presidents of the Berbice Volleyball Association and the Demerara Volleyball Association highlighted the achievements during 2012 and recommendations for the future.

 Lenny Shuffler handing over balls to BVA Secretary A. Singh
Lenny Shuffler handing over balls to BVA Secretary A. Singh

All members present also participated in a “brain storming” session to plot the way forward for the next four years and several decisions were taken with regards to fund raising and participation in more international competitions, the release stated. At the conclusion of the meeting, Andrea Farias, an executive member of the GVF and Owner/Manager of the Kitano Travel Service, presented a pair of Tachikara Volleyball Antennas to assist in the raising of standards of officiating during competitions. Farias said she was impressed with the number of competitions organized by the BVA in the past and together with her husband, Commander John Farias of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, who is also the Head of GVF’s Refereeing Commission, decided to make the donation. BVA President Gregory Rambarran expressed thanks to the donors for the important piece of equipment and said it will be utilized fully in all competitions.

A quantity of Mikasa MVA200 volleyballs were also handed over to the BVA by Lenny Shuffler.