8 teams to compete in STAG sponsored Inaugural DVA League

The first ever Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) A-Division Volleyball League is set to begin on May 21 and is expected to run into July. The official launching took place last evening at the 704 Sports Bar.
Top and emerging contenders will clash for a first prize of 0,000 and a trophy with runners up receiving ,000 and ,000 plus trophies respectively while the Female champions will receive 5,000 with runners up will receive ,000 and ,000 and trophies.
In his opening remarks, President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), John Flores, noted that it is a welcome sign that one of the sponsors of the tournament, Office of the Prime Minister (O.P.M) is showing an interest in volleyball. Flores took note of the fact that the tournament would not be limited to Georgetown, but would be played in various parts of the country.
He concluded by thanking the various sponsors for coming on board this historic venture.
Meanwhile, Raymond Hall, speaking on behalf of O.P.M, noted that “they are quite pleased” to be a part of the league, he continued that with volleyball being a team sport, the O.P.M expects co-operation and social cohesion among the various teams taking part in the league.

He pointed out that the O.P.M is looking to the future with an eye on the 2020 Olympic Games bearing in mind that there is lots of potential in volleyball for Guyana to be represented; he promised that the O.P.M will be supporting GVF in any possible way to create the development of volleyball in Guyana.
Linden Henry, the Brand Manager for Stag, Ansa McCal also shared the same sentiment, noting that the Beverage giant is not looking at the sponsorship of the tournament at face value but rather is looking at it as a venture. He noted that while there has been a challenge in the past to bring out fans to games, Stag does not intend to have a “flat” tournament. He urged fans to come out and support the league while pledging that they will be giving out prizes to patrons.
President of the Demerara Volleyball Association, Trevor Williams, who is the brain behind the initiative, said; “today is special because we have been trying to get volleyball organized throughout the year”. He expressed admiration at the brevity of all parties responsible for the decision taken to structure development in the sport.
Williams thanked the sponsors for setting the sport on an upward course and said that he hoped for consistency from the players in the league.
The Castrol Strikers’ male and female teams along with Van Guards (Females), Demerara U-19s (Male), Young Achievers (Males), St Cuthbert’s (Females), the Bartica Warriors and Linden Females will be competing in a league format from May 21. The Finals are expected to be played in Bartica sometime in July.
Matches will be played at venues in Linden, Bartica, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown.