NMIVA stresses importance of grassroots development

Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association president Somia Quan emphasized the importance of recently concluded leagues like the 2021 Interscholastic 4v4 Beach Volleyball League and the 2021 Middle School Grass Volleyball League in the development of the sport in the Commonwealth. (Mark Rabago)

Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association president Somia Quan emphasized the importance of recently concluded leagues like the 2021 Interscholastic 4v4 Beach Volleyball League and the 2021 Middle School Grass Volleyball League in the development of the sport in the Commonwealth.

“Grass roots programs are significant because it is often the first exposure of volleyball that young individuals will have if there isn’t someone in their household that is a volleyball lover. It’s usually at the foundational level and primarily recreational, the introduction of the sport for a youngster. Also, these grassroots programs tend to get people who are not normally a volleyball player somehow involved, whether it’s running the tournament boards or becoming an official, etc.,” she told Saipan Tribune in an email.

The beach volleyball and grass volleyball leagues in February and April, respectively, signalled NMIVA’s latest attempts at reviving the sport after a year lost to COVID-19.

“We are starting to host island tournaments, hopefully starting with a 4×4 co-ed grass tournament in May. The idea is just to get athletes out there again and playing. We’re hoping to have various tournaments for the rest of the year, shooting for at least one NMIVA-affiliated tournament per month. We hope to get out to Tinian and Rota to host some tournaments there as well if can find some co-sponsors on those islands,” said Quan.

The NMIVA president also took the opportunity to extend her and the rest of the NMIVA board’s gratitude to everyone who helped grow the sport in the past and those who will continue to support volleyball moving forward.

“Thank you all for the years spent playing or coaching volleyball, whether it was in just pick up games on the beach or backyard grass play at family functions, or organized indoor tournaments. It is because of you that volleyball has not died out in our community. The current NMIVA board recognizes your efforts and we hope to provide the resources and support necessary so that volleyball, both indoor and beach, can be a thriving sport in the CNMI once again.”

The Mount Carmel School Knights won the 2021 Interscholastic 4v4 Beach Volleyball League at the expense of Grace Christian Academy Eagles last February at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan beach, while Tanapag Middle School and the Hopwood Middle School won the boys and girls divisions, respectively, of the 2021 Middle School Grass Volleyball League earlier this month at the CPA Airport Field.