FIVB coaching clinic starts today at MHS Gym

FIVB official Tomas Santamaria arrived from Australia yesterday and will be here until next week to conduct the FIVB Coaches Course – Level 1 (How to Coach) clinic at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Graduates of this program will earn an FIVB Level 1 Coaching Certificate—an invaluable asset towards the development of volleyball for both the CNMI as a whole and for the individuals who complete the course.

Currently there are 10 people participating in the Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association-organized clinic.

“We have room for up to 30 people. This clinic is open to volleyball players (at least 18 years of age) who have basic skills and knowledge of the game. If you have not completed your application and still wish to participate, please arrive at the MHS Gym by 2pm on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Course begins at 3pm and continues daily from 3pm to 10pm until Aug. 27 (including Saturday and Sunday),” said NMIVA president Laurie Peterka.

“We consider this an opportunity for phys-ed teachers and community programs developers to take advantage of a program right here in Saipan that would otherwise cost a couple-thousand dollars since you would have to find a program off-island and fly a person to that clinic or conference. We hope that schools and community-groups will recognize the value of sponsoring 1-2 individuals for a nominal fee,” added NMIVA board member Russ Quinn.

Deposit for this course is $150 for non-NMIVA members or $130 for NMIVA members. Course fees include: coaching workbook, videos and handouts, equipment for training, T-shirts, facilities, and a graduation-banquet at Pacific Islands Club.

“We are doing everything we can to help facilitate participation and provide access to everyone who is interested in this clinic. This is not a fundraising event. Fees are strictly being used to facilitate this event. We’ve managed to keep costs down so it looks like we will be able to offer successful graduates a rebate of approximately 75 percent of the original deposit,” said Peterka.

NMIVA was graciously selected to participate in a Federation International de Volleyball under-privileged countries program. The Volleyball Cooperation Programme is part of Volleyball World Vision 2012. We were selected for the FIVB Coaches Course – Level 1 (How to Coach) community development program. The program will focus on indoor volleyball coaching practices, theories, and techniques.

If you have any questions or are looking for additional information, please contact Laurie Peterka at 483-7499 or laurie.peterka@saipan.com or Russ Quinn 287-0318 or at saipanruss@yahoo.com. [B][I](NMIVA)[/I][/B]