THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TTVF), while saddened on reaching the cusp of an Olympic berth - one which would have been the first for a team sport from the twin-island republic - plans to now reflect on all the lessons learnt and put things in place to ensure that our beach volley-ballers are represented in Tokyo 2020.
President of the fraternity, Daymian Stewart, who was in Mexico supervising the event for the world body was very thankful for the support from the Ministry of Sport, the Sport Company, Tourism Development Comapny, Flow, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and Blue waters. Even though both the national men and women’s teams are disappointed, Stewart admitted that there was a lot to gain from this challenging experience.
TT has never gone this deep into the process of Olympic qualification in this sport and remain proud of the women’s teams sixth place showing among the 41 countries of North Central America and the Caribbean Confederation.
The TT VF has assured that they will continue to work to ensure the support is in place to provide the players with what they need to fulfil their potential for Tokyo 2020.
Stewart identified seven areas which will be examined, evaluated and assessed. Administration, technical staff/services, having the appropriate athletes/ athletes pathway, finances, technology, equipment/facilities and maximising on opportunities are all the direct intentions of the TT VF moving forward.
Beach Volleyball is growing and the Federation has a very busy schedule as they will continue to participate on the NOR CECA Tour to ensure qualification for CAC 2017 and Pan Am Games 2018, World Beach Volleyball Championships, Common Wealth Games 2017 where beach volleyball will make its first appearance and ANOC world Beach Games.
TT VF is beyond the participation stage in Beach Volleyball and medals are on the agenda for the next quadrennial.