London 2012 Special Edition
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LA LLEYBALL ENG O V F O E IN Z A G E OFFICIAL MA
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MEET THE great britain VOLLEYBALL TEAMS CHASING GOLD THIS SUMMER!
London 2012 Special Edition
THE OFFICIAL
JULY 2012 £3
MAGAZINE OF
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MEET THE GREAT BRITAIN VOLLEYBALL TEAMS CHASING GOLD THIS SUMMER!
On the cover: GB men’s sitting volleyball captain Rob Richardson, GB women’s beach volleyball pairing Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin (Photo courtesy of Mark Pritchard) and GB women’s indoor libero Maria Bertelli (Photo courtesy of Chris Midgley )
Bimonthly - Volume 10 - No 6 ISSN 1479-0785 If you would like your news or views printed in 3Touch Volleyball, get in touch with the editor at: Volleyball England SportPark, Loughborough University, No. 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3QF E-mail: info@volleyballengland.org Tel: 01509 227 722 Fax: 01509 227 733 English Volleyball Association Ltd. is registered in England number 2023635. Published June 2012 by
Newark Street, Accrington, Lancs BB5 0BP Email: info@mercer-print.co.uk Designed by Viv Ettenfield Editorial Board: Lisa Wainwright - Chief Executive Rob Harding - Head of Marketing and Communications Jessica Taylor - Marketing and Communications Officer Mark Pritchard - New Media Officer Subscriptions/Merchandise: £3 per issue, £15 annually Volleyball England: 01509 227 722 © Volleyball England 2012
WELCOME MESSAGES TORCH RELAY LONDON 2012 VOLLEYBALL VENUES GB WOMEN’S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM 30 MINUTES WITH… STEVE JONES SITTING VOLLEYBALL REFEREES GB MEN’S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM GAMES MAKERS INSPIRATIONAL LEADER… AUDREY COOPER GB WOMEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM LEGACY IN NUMBERS COACH VIEW WITH… HARRY BROKKING GB MEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM BEACH VOLLEYBALL REFEREES GB MEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL GB WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL BEHIND THE SCENES THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD ph
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Richard Callicott - President So here we are, at the dawn of the biggest sporting event of our lifetime. A journey that began in 2005 with Jacques Rogge opening an envelope to declare London had won the right to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games. We have a wonderful sport in all its disciplines; volleyball, beach and sitting and I am delighted that all three will be represented by Team GB this summer. It’s been a very challenging period for the players, coaches, administrators and for the British Volleyball Federation as a whole but at last all that worry, energy and work is about to come to fruition. It’s important these Games should act as a springboard for the sport in England and allow the sport to grow ready for the next Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and beyond. The success of our sport is down to the huge amount of work undertaken by volunteers, elected officers and staff. We have a superb opportunity to showcase
volleyball in this country and I hope we will all welcome those who have been inspired by the games into our hearts and help create a lasting legacy from London 2012. Many of our programmes have already placed volleyball in a great position to expand the opportunities for people to play and enjoy volleyball, especially young people. While much focus will be on London it’s important we continue to build for the long term. These are very exciting times for our sport, let’s make sure we grasp this opportunity with both hands!
in Melbourne. A devoted follower of the Olympic principle that it is more important to take part than to win, he abhorred medal tables. He would have dearly loved to see Britain have, for the first time, teams in all of the volleyball disciplines: indoor, beach and the Paralympic sport, sitting.
This magazine is all about the London Olympic and Paralymic games and it’s only right, we mention the late Dr Don Anthony MBE. It is poignant that my friend will not be able to witness the excitement this summer. Don died in May aged 83, he was widely recognised as the godfather of the sport in the UK, having founded the Volleyball Association of England in 1955.
The Olympic “Ribbon of Trees”, only so recently planted, between the Olympic Park in Stratford and the William Brookes School in Much Wenlock was one of Don’s best creations. William Penny Brookes was born in Much Wenlock in 1809 and is the inspiration behind the modern Olympic movement. It was Don ‘s idea, years ago, for the local students to plant and nurture the acorns from the Coubertin Oak and with his encouragement that the saplings were developed and then sent to Kew for their preparation before planting. It will provide a lasting living national memorial to Don’s inspiration.
Don was an Olympian himself. He took part in the hammer contest at the 1956 Games
Best wishes to everyone this summer Enjoy!
Lisa Wainwright - Chief Executive So it is here – after years of influencing, planning, challenging and training – we finally made it to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games! It has been a long journey but we know it will be worth it. Personally, it is even more exciting as I started working on additional information for the bid document for the Games many years ago whilst at Sport England. My role was to support the production of the Volunteer Strategy – targeting the estimated 70,000 volunteers – now named Games Makers. We were the first bidding nation to include a volunteer strategy. How fabulous that this has now come to fruition with volunteers appointed, trained and kitted out ready for such a momentous occasion! Good luck to all our volleyball volunteers – you are the real stars! In terms of volleyball – when I started in February 2008 as Chief Executive, I read through all the minutes of all our committees and I recall, the Performance Commission minutes, of old – ‘that as we would never qualify for the Olympic/ Paralympic Games we’d carry on as usual!’
How wrong could we have been – a few years later we secured entry through Great Britain into Home Nation slots for all teams – indoor, beach and sitting at the Games in London. This is an amazing outcome with limited time, limited money and a heavy reliance on our superb volunteers. A dream has come true for so many of you, not least our late Honorary President Dr Don Anthony MBE. A true visionary, an inspiration and a wonderful man – sadly missed but we know he will be celebrating the Games coming home!
exceptional work with young people. These are the future of our sport and I am personally delighted that we have managed to secure funding for these over the last few years. Thank you to you all.
Alongside the GB teams, we have also seen a huge surge in interest in playing outdoor volleyball and have an increasing number of beach courts and outdoor equipment being used across England, true legacy from the sand being used from both the Test Event and the Olympic Games. See if you can spot one of the 300 plus trucks of sand making their way around London for drop off immediately after the Games!
We’ve also launched a major new campaign, Go Spike, ready for the Games and this has seen a huge amount of interest – so if you want to play or if anyone asks ‘How can I get involved?’ send them to www.gospike. net . So how do I feel about the games? I still get a tingle when anyone mentions that day the announcement came. All staff, with the then Chief Executive, Roger Draper, and Chairman Patrick Carter, were standing on ‘The Pitch’ (a meeting area at Sport England HQ) - the TVs were on and the announcement came – London had won the bid to host the 2012 Games! I burst into tears, as did many others and I have to admit to doing so many times since when seeing the footage of the announcement!
For members outside of the ‘sand zone’ we have over 50 new Higher Education Volleyball Officers (HEVOs) in place – ready to come forward as volunteers following the Games to help deliver volleyball and 16 Community Development Coaches – delivering
To everyone, volunteers working at LOCOG, volunteers working at the Games, Torch Bearers, Games Makers, Technical Officials, head office staff, CDC’s and all our clubs – I hope you enjoy the Games and celebrate our wonderful sport. Go Team GB!
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VOLLEYBALL TORCH RELAY THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY ROUTE WAS PLANNED SO THAT THE FLAME WILL COME WITHIN TEN MILES OF 95 PERCENT OF PEOPLE IN THE UK SPREADING THE OLYMPIC MESSAGE OF PEACE, UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP. EACH OF THE 8,000 INSPIRATIONAL TORCHBEARERS WILL CARRY THE TORCH FOR 300 METRES.
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Volleyball England have been thrilled to hear how many people within the volleyball community have been successfully nominated to carry the Flame by friends, family and people they have touched through sport. The Torch Bearers represent volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball and come from playing, coaching, officiating and volunteering backgrounds - all have their own inspirational story. To read more about each of the torch bearer’s nomination story, visit our website www.volleyballengland.org.
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Gordon Neale OBE Hartford 15th June
Steve Betts Sunderland 16th June
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Will Roberts Wolverhampton 30th June
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Audrey Cooper Loughborough 3rd July
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George LivingstoneThompson Gloucester 24th May
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Ruth Gillet Kettering 2nd July
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Steve Walton Newmarket 7th July
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Julie Rogers Bedford 8th July
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Greg Thompson Hanham 22nd May
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Lewie Lett Poole 13th July
PARALYMPIC FLAME The Paralympic flame will begin its 24hour journey to London for the Paralympic Opening Ceremony on the 29th August. The flame will be carried from the Stoke Mandeville Stadium by 580 torchbearers
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Abi Whitefield Colchester 6th July
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Freda Bussey Southampton 14th July
(in teams of 5) to the Olympic Stadium. It will then light the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Tom Middleton was nominated by Volleyball England to carry the Paralympic flame for his
enormous contribution towards the rebirth and continual growth of sitting volleyball in Great Britain. Tom commented “I will be honoured to represent sitting volleyball in this country.”
Thank you to everyone who has let us know about their Torch Relay experience - if you know of other torch bearers who are connected to volleyball please email Jess Taylor, Marketing and Communications Officer at j.taylor@volleyballengland.org
www.volleyballengland.org
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS
COMPETITION FORMAT
CAPACITY 15,000 COMPETITION DATES
All matches are the best of five sets, with the first four sets going to 25 points. The fifth set goes to 15 points, and all sets must be won with at least a two-point advantage.
144 men and 144 women – twelve teams compete in both the men’s and women’s competitions, with 12 athletes on each team. Each country is limited to one men’s and one women’s team.
HISTORY OF SITTING VOLLEYBALL AT THE PARALYMPICS
COMPETITION FORMAT
Sitting volleyball made its debut as a Paralympic medal sport at the Arnhem 1980 Games. The women’s event was added to the Paralympic programme in 2004.
All matches are the best of five sets, with the first four sets going to 25 points. The fifth set goes to 15 points, and all sets must be won with at least a two-point advantage.
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HISTORY OF VOLLEYBALL AT THE OLYMPICS
Did you know?
Volleyball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games for both men and women. At Beijing 2008, the gold medals were won by the USA (men) and Brazil (women).
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Horse Guards parade was built in 1745
HORSE GUARDS PARADE
Beach Volleyball Competition Venue CAPACITY 15,000 COMPETITION DATES
Did you know?
4000 tonnes of sand will be used
Saturday 28 July – Thursday 9 August
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS 96 athletes will be competing. With 24 teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions at beach. Twenty-four teams compete in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
COMPETITION FORMAT All matches are the best of three sets, with the first two sets going to 21 points – the third set goes to 15 points. All sets must be won with at least a two-point advantage.
HISTORY OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL AT THE OLYMPICS Beach Volleyball made its Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996. Since then it has become one of the most popular spectator sports at the Games.
EXCEL
Sitting Volleyball Competition Venue CAPACITY 7,000 COMPETITION DATES Thursday 30 August – Saturday 8 September
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS
For more information on indoor, beach and sitting volleyball during this summer’s Games, please visit www.london2012.com. Live games will be shown on the BBC Red Button.
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Ten teams compete in the men’s and eight teams in the women’s competitions, 11 athletes on each team (six players and five substitutes). Each country is limited to one men’s and one women’s team.
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VENUES2012
Saturday 28 July – Sunday 12 August
In sitting volleyball there are two categories of classification: disabled and minimal disablility. A maximum of one minimally disabled player may be on the court for each team at any one time.
Indoor Volleyball Competition Venue
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Earls Court hosted some of the competitions at the 1948 Olympic Games
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GB WOMEN’S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM
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Martine Wright was seriously injured in the atrocities of the 7/7 bombings but today she is preparing to represent her country in sitting volleyball at the biggest sporting event on Earth! Martine had spent the previous night celebrating London being awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Olympic Games but in a cruel twist of fate, Martine was on a Circle Line Tube train when fanatic Shehzad Tanweer detonated his bomb just outside Aldgate Station on July 7, 2005. “I missed my normal train, then a Northern Line signal failure meant I took the Circle Line to work,” she says. She ended up sitting just 4ft from Tanweer when he set off his bomb. Martine lost three quarters of her blood before she was rescued. She was in an induced coma for two weeks and during that time had twelve operations to amputate her legs above the knee. Seven years later and Martine now feels it was part of her destiny and has used that time to grab every opportunity. “If you had told me that one day I would be an elite sportswoman about to represent Great Britain at the Paralypmics I would have thought you were off your rocker,” she says. Martine married long-term boyfriend Nick and gave birth to Oscar, now 2, soon after. She has also got her air pilot’s licence and even did a sky dive for charity. Sport had always been a real passion and when she
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JUST A DAY AFTER JACQUES ROGGE, PRESIDENT OF IOC, ANNOUNCED LONDON HAD WON THE RIGHT TO HOST THE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES DEVASTATION HIT THE NATIONS CAPITAL CITY, WHEN TERRORIST ATTACKS TOOK THE LIVES OF 52 PEOPLE.
decided she wanted a new challenge it was sitting volleyball’s gain, after she fell in love with the sport at a Paralympics taster day. “It gives me the drive and ambition I used to feel at work,” she says. “I was introduced to sitting volleyball at the Amputee Games at Stoke Mandeville.” She adds, “It’s a great sport, I want to help put the sport on the map domestically and encourage more indoor clubs to establish sitting teams.” Martine made her International debut on the fifth anniversary of the bombing on July 7, 2010. It’s a number that holds no fear for Martine who proudly wears the number seven on her Team GB vest this summer — in memory of the fateful day that led to 52 deaths at the hands of terrorists. It has been an interesting journey for Martine and her team mates. “In the early days we got thrashed a lot! But we are now ready to take on the best in the world this summer,” she explains. “It felt like we had a mountain
to climb at first but we have started to get sets off teams that used to walk all over us. We might not be the most experienced team, but we can make sure we are the fittest and the strongest. With home advantage, anything can happen.” “Being part of the team is brilliant, meeting many inspirational people and feeling the drive and ambition again. Time away from home is always hard but we have had a fantastic training camp at Loughborough College during our preparation, which has really helped the team.” Looking ahead to this summer she is thankful for what the sport has given her .“No one should underestimate what sport can give people. I will be fighting hard for my starting position and doing my best for the team,” she says. “It’s the biggest sporting event on Earth, and it’s coming to the city where I was born. What Londoner doesn’t dream of being part of it.”
www.volleyballengland.org “I have to wear odd socks.”
ON BUILD UP TO THE GAMES “It’s been hard work and full of rollercoaster moments around selection and progress, but that is part of the journey. I have learned so much about fitness, training schedules and preparing and that it is great to be able to put it into practice now. It’s hard to be able to see past the gravity of the event and treat it like any competition rather than letting nerves creep in, but that is what we need to do.”
ON THIS SUMMER “It will mean everything. We have worked so hard, everything has been leading up to this moment. Not just being part of the Paralympic Team, but in being in London where my friends and family and all those who have supported me through my accident, can share that special occasion with me. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” “We are still the new kids on the block and developing, so being able to demonstrate we can compete and that we have maximised the short time we have had to be the best that we can be. Who knows where that and the benefit of the home crowd will take us!”
ON PERSONAL AMBITIONS FOR THE GAMES
CLAIRE HARVEY
PROFILE Age: 38 Position: Setter Club: London Lynx Disability: Incomplete Spinal cord Injury No. years playing: 3 No. of GB caps: 41 Hometown: Ashford, Kent Previous clubs: Kent Wyverns
HARVEY IN HER OWN WORDS… Claire Harvey, 38, is a former International Rugby Union player for Scotland. In 2011, she was made Captain of the Great Britain women’s team…
ON GETTING STARTED “My sports development officer encouraged me and arranged for me to take part in a British Paralympic Association (BPA) Talent ID day. I tried volleyball there for the first time and loved it (even though I was rubbish) and from this I got directed towards my local club. My advice would be that disability sport is so different, so go and try everything, at an event like the BPA ones if you can. You never know what you are good at, or enjoy, until you try it!”
“As a setter I very much want to make sure that I make the right decisions and choices to allow the hitters to play and gain points. As the captain, I want to be able to inspire, encourage and lead the team in a way that makes a difference to their confidence and their performance. On a personal level, I am absolutely determined that I leave that event having given it my all.”
ON OPPOSITION “Each team brings a different opportunity and challenge. I am particularly focussed on the Japan game because we haven’t played them since the World Championships and I am keen to see how far we have come.”
ON PLANS AFTER THE GAMES “I think it’s easy to underestimate the effect on a player post games. My work (FSA) has been so supportive in giving me time to train etc that I suspect it is time to pay some of that back and focus on my career. I owe a huge amount to my family, without whom I would not have got here, so I would like to take them on a holiday as a thank you.”
ON ASPIRATION FOR THE SPORT “I am very keen to be part of the legacy for sitting volleyball. It’s such a great and inclusive sport and 2012 is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport and get people enthused. I want sitting volleyball to be the most popular disability sport from a player and spectator point of view!”
PROFILE Age: 13 Position: Universal Club: Loughborough Lions Disability: Through knee right leg amputee No. years playing: 2 Hometown: Bedford
JULIE ROGERS
ON SUPERSTITION BEFORE A GAME
5 Things… SHE IS ONLY 13 Julie is the youngest squad member of Team GB at just 13 years old. She got into sitting volleyball through her Prosthetist (person who makes her legs). “I knew a player in the men’s team and helped me get involved to try it out. If you’re just starting remember it’s a quick game and the more you train the better you’ll get!” she says.
SHE HAS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE “My best experiences are meeting other athletes with disabilities and their attitude to life, which really helps you realise there’s no point in feeling sorry for yourself and to be positive,” she says.
SHE WANTS TO MAKE AN IMPACT Julie says, “I like to prove myself by showing I can and want to get better. I want to help the team in any way. My ambition is to make an impact on the team - in a good way!”
SHE IS EXCITED She says that preparation has been good and really exciting. “London 2012 will take my sporting career to the optimal level! Which is a crazy thought for me at my age, but a home crowd will be awesome. This will be different because it’s ‘THE’ competition,” she says. Julie is most excited to play against Brazil. “We played them in Egypt and I believe we have a good chance in showing improvements.”
SHE PLANS TO KEEP ON GOING Julie plans to keep up sitting volleyball, and represent GB at more international games, and to also play as much sport as possible!
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GB WOMEN’S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM
30 MINUTES WITH... STEVE
JONES THE GREAT BRITAIN WOMEN’S SITTING COACH GIVES HIS PERSPECTIVE ON THE RISE OF SITTING VOLLEYBALL AND HIS HOPES FOR THIS SUMMER.
What have been your career highlights? SJ Winning the National Cup with Loughborough Students Volleyball Club after two attempts in the final. Although coaching at an International level is beginning to reach the next highest pinnacle in my career. Coaching at the Paralympics is a dream come true but is only a small step towards a longer journey at this level.
How difficult was it to select the squad? SJ This was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in my coaching career, despite selecting from a small squad. The girls have worked extremely hard and it is difficult to disappoint any of the players, but this is the nature of high performance sport. Informing the players has been heart-wrenching given that I am selecting for a Home Games and it is unlikely that such an opportunity will arise again. However, attendance at the games is about performance and not sympathy. Players are assessed on the basis of the influence they can have on the games at the Paralympics. This is complicated by the classification rules of the competition, placing some restrictions on choice of athletes. The eleven players chosen have been selected on the basis of the positions they will play: Setter, 4-player, middle-player and Libero, ensuring that there is sufficient cover in each role.
some high quality opposition. The growth of our domestic game is also something to be proud of and compares with many successful European models of competition. With more time and refinement to this competition, we will be able to challenge with the best in the world.
How has the team developed? SJ The team has demonstrated tremendous progress from their first performances at the World Championships. On average the team won less than ten points per set in Oklahoma, against some of the best teams in the world, namely China, Ukraine, Brazil, etc. More recently the GB team have been far more competitive, with an average set points difference of 5 against these teams. In our most recent competition against Russia
AMY BRIERLY Setter
ANDREA GREEN Hitter
EMMA WIGGS Setter
we reached 23-25 in 2 of 3 sets, reflecting huge progress in our performances. More encouraging are the number of compliments the team receive from the coaches from other nations. Often captains are selected on the strength of their performance on court; or their leadership skills; or their ability to adjust the game by advising players. In Claire Harvey we have all these strong attributes of high intelligence; effective communication with others in the team; leadership skills by example on the court; influence on the state of the game; and, most importantly at these Games, an ability to relate well with the wider community including the Press.
JESSICA FREZZA Universal
JESSICA O’BRIEN Hitter
JULIE ROGERS Universal
How has the sport of sitting volleyball progressed? SJ A true mark of success is the performance of our club teams in European tournaments and we have had tremendous accomplishments more recently against
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MARTINE WRIGHT Hitter
JODI HILL Hitter
SAMANTHA BOWEN Hitter
VICTORIA WIDDUP Hitter
MEET THE 2012 TEAM
CLAIRE HARVEY Setter
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How has preparation gone ahead of the games?
What hopes do you have for the sport in Great Britain?
SJ In the lead up to the Games, the emphasis has mostly been on game based learning, by applying game based scenarios and situations that we may face throughout the competition. This allowed the team time and the capacity to learn from simulated games whilst rehearsing our control when we have the ball. Fitness is a key aspect and sessions with the strength and conditioning coach have been critical to maintaining a healthy team on the field of play.
SJ Progress has been made on a shoe string and whilst we are most grateful to our funding partners, especially the National Lottery, we are looking forward to a fully professional approach to training and support in a full-time environment with all players. A centre-based approach that is realistically funded will ensure that we meet our ambitions of becoming one of the best teams in the world.
What will success look like for the team this summer? SJ Objectives have been set for each of the games played and our overall aim is to finish 5th. Beyond this, we hope to be able to inspire others to take up the sport and direct them to the many clubs available in their area.
We have seen what progress can be made in a short period of time and are highly motivated to go forward to Rio 2016. We are confident that with more financial support for the full-time programme, we can gradually creep up the rankings table and qualify.
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SITTING VOLLEYBALL REFEREES photograph©BM Totterdell.
at 55!” Wauchopes journey into refereeing started in 1993 when she attended a Grade 4 refereeing course with Bernard Kilkenny (former referee Commission President) in Brighton. She was sponsored to attend the course by her local league volleyball club, who needed someone to referee the men’s team games. At the time all our club referees were male and they were therefore playing in those games and therefore were unavailable to referee,” she says. “I had no intention of refereeing for any other clubs. However, word gets around and soon I was getting phone calls from other local league clubs and then local National League clubs when they couldn’t get a referee.”
DEE WAUCHOPE DEE WAUCHOPE IS AN I.T. CONSULTANT WHO HAS BEEN REFEREEING FOR 19 YEARS. THIS SUMMER SHE WILL OFFICIATE SITTING VOLLEYBALL AT LONDON. Wauchope has never refereed at this scale before, in terms of the size of the arena or the size of the crowds. “I have to treat this like any other tournament in terms of just bringing my best game to court for every match and not getting over-excited at the sheer awesomeness of being part of it,” she says. Wauchope has a busy summer ahead, the National Grade indoor volleyball referee and International sitting volleyball referee will be involved on court in the indoor volleyball at Earls Court during the Olympics, as a Field of Play Team Leader, responsible for a team of 15 ball retrievers and floor moppers. She will then referee at the highest level possible at the sitting volleyball event at the ExCel Centre. “By the end of 2012 I will have met all the dreams I set myself for volleyball.” But she will not be hanging up her whistle just yet. “My husband is hoping that I’ll retire from refereeing but instead I’ll just be coming up with some new dreams, there’s no way I could give all this up until I’m forced to retire
By 2005 she had refereed a few international matches and was regularly refereeing National League. However, her real breakthrough came as a referee at the World Island Games in Shetland. It was the first time she had refereed in front of 100’s of people at an international event and she just loved the atmosphere. “I became determined to become an international and worked really hard to achieve my goal.” She adds, “The most memorable game was a local derby match between Shetland and Orkney at the 2005 World Island Games in Shetland. The standard of volleyball was really not great but there was a big local crowd cheering on the Shetland team, who had lost all their matches up until this point. The match was very even and Shetland won in 5 sets to seal their only win of the tournament. You would think they had won the World Cup from the reaction of the players and supporters. A really amazing game to be part of and sums up for me what sport is all about.” But her dreams to be an International Referee were almost ended before they had begun. She could not become an International FIVB referee due to the age restrictions, which she missed by a matter of months. “I was really disappointed and even considered giving up refereeing at one time. However, luckily for me, another opportunity came my way. Steve Walton approached me about becoming a
sitting volleyball referee (due to the higher age limit for taking the course) and I took my World Organisation Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD) International Course in August 2007,” she says. She has not looked back and has had the opportunity to travel widely, learn about new cultures, meet some fantastic and inspiring people and be involved in the sport she loves. There have been some amazing highlights including refereeing at the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in the USA - the biggest event she has been involved with so far. But whatever the competition Wauchope says she always has one concern, which is “Hoping the minibus shows up to get you to the venue on time for your match.” Looking ahead to her duties this summer she is preparing by getting some practice, as well as reviewing the rules and watching re-runs of games. “It’s important to remember the games that you refereed well and try to replicate it next time.” Wauchope cannot wait for her first match at the ExCel in front of a home crowd and will prepare in her normal way. “A few nerves are good but you don’t want to let them get in the way of what you know you can do. Before a game I do like to spend some quiet time on my own. I usually try to just empty my mind and listen to a little music to get me in the right frame of mind before I go to meet the other officials and the teams.” While Wauchope is focused on her role and doing Great Britain proud, she is looking foward to seeing the best teams in the world. “In the men’s competition I will be particularly looking forward to watching Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina play. These two teams are really by far the best in the world and have a great rivalry. In the women’s tournament I am interested to see how USA have improved since they lost to China at the World Championships in 2010. They’ve not been present at any tournaments this year so I’d be interested to see how they’ve progressed. Also, of course I’m delighted to see both GB teams involved and will be looking out for how they do.”
WAUCHOPE & ARCHIBALD SITTING VOLLEYBALL REFEREES
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www.volleyballengland.org
GLYNN ARCHIBALD
HE HAS GOT THICK SKIN
GLYNN ARCHIBALD, CHAIR OF THE HERTFORDSHIRE VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION AND SENIOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ANALYST WILL OFFICIATE THE SITTING VOLLEYBALL AT THE LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES.
6 things HE GOT INTO REFEREEING BY ACCIDENT
Glynn got into refereeing by accident. His local club mentioned that there was a course and he said he would go along. That was the start of his journey. “I got into sitting volleyball refereeing when the sport was revived here in England. I was asked to come along to one of the early training sessions and I enjoyed it,” he says.
HE LOVES THE CAMARADERIE
Glynn likes the camaraderie amongst the referees. “I have met some great people and had the opportunity to visit many countries,” he says.“The only thing I don’t like is ill discipline on the court.”
HE IS A FACILITATOR
Glynn says the most important rule is probably that as referees they are there to facilitate the game. “My most memorable game was the semi-final game that I refereed at the World Cup in Egypt between Egypt and Germany. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic,” he says. “The most difficult situations are where the teams are very unevenly matched. Those games are difficult because you don’t want to keep stopping the game because of the less able team.”
Glynn says refereeing is an attitude, so get a thick skin. “Listen to and watch the experienced referees at work. There is a lot to learn from them,” he says.
HE LOVES THE BIG OCCASION
Glynn is looking forward to the start of the competition this summer. “For me, I just want to see great volleyball,” he says. “Unlike the World Championships, which was bigger in terms of the number of sitting volleyball teams, the Olympics and Paralympics Olympics is bigger because of the multi-sport aspect and the build-up to the games. This occasion is even grester because it is our home Games.”
HE IS PREPARED
He says preparation is the key to each match. “Get the easy things out of the way; review the rules, case book and referee guidelines. I make sure I get lots of rest during the tournament and relax before each game,” he says. “The nerves tend to kick in the night or morning before a match. By the time I get to the court, the game face and mental focus kicks in and the nerves start to recede. There are too many other things to focus on at that time.” GLYNN ARCHIBALD
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IAN LEGRAND
GB MEN’S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM Docklands for the first time and winning the league & cup double with Docklands in 1987. On the International stage, beating Denmark in my first match with England and beating Bosnia in the European Qualifiers with England. “In sitting volleyball, finishing 7th with GB Sitting Team at the ECVD Continental Cup in Kettering in 2011 on home soil – especially beating the USA in the final match.”
How would you say the team has progressed towards London 2012? “We are finding it challenging to get matches at the right level and at the right time. It seems to be a sitting volleyball thing. With Volleyball England, we could usually get matches through our contacts, but Sitting does not appear to have the same reciprocal relationships. “We have had a large volume of training that most teams, indoor or sitting, would be envious of. As England coach, I could not have dreamed of the training hours we’ve had, but we need the volume of matches to make the next big step.”
What was the selection process for the squad? “I follow the philosophy that was used by Doug Beal and some advice that I received from Arie Sellinger many years ago. These are legendary coaches from the USA. Beal’s view was to pick the group that gives you the best chance of success, it is unlikely to be the best eleven players.
Ian Legrand is one OF England’s most experienced coaches having coached domestically and internationally in the standing game before taking over as Head Coach of Great Britain Men’s Sitting Volleyball in 2009. Here he tells 3Touch about the build up to London 2012 and his hopes for the sport post Games…
How did you get into coaching? “I started coaching at school – my brother and his mates wanted to play and the Head of PE said they did not have anyone to coach but if I wanted to they would make the court available – that’s how it all started in 1976!”
“We have seven or eight guys who can start on a given day. This gives us the option of playing a couple of systems and makes it more difficult to scout. There are two substitutes who will go on to replace starters with the view that they will go on and stay on.
ANTON RAIMONDO Hitter
CHARLIE WALKER Hitter
JAMES ROBERTS Universal
“Finally, we have a couple of specialists who are put into the game in specific situations. “Sellengers view was pick the players who are currently performing and then add potential!”
How difficult of a decision was it to select the squad? “Difficult, as we’ve trained a lot as a group so we’ve spent a lot of time together, so it was very hard to tell athletes that they’ve not been selected.”
What characteristics does a player have to show to be selected as the captain at the Paralympics? “Leading by example and working as a link between the staff and the athletes.”
What has been the training regime in the build up to the Games? “They trained twice a day. Typically the first session focused on “first contacts” – serving, passing, individual defence and building up to unit and team development. The second session is more game like, focusing on team organisation, linking the game phases and competition. In addition we are lifting weights, using medicine balls and doing a lot of shoulder protection work.”
What would success look like for the Sitting GB teams at the Games? “5th or 6th would be a massive result for the team.”
JOHN MUNRO Hitter
JUSTIN PHILLIPS Hitter
NETRA RANA Libero
What has been your career highlight as a coach up until this point? “There have been a few! Domestically, winning the Knock Out Cup with London
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RICHARD DOBELL Hitter
ROB RICHARDS Setter
BEN HALL Universal
SAM SCOTT Hitter
MEET THE 2012 TEAM
MUZAFFAR JABBER Hitter
What are your aspirations for the Sitting GB squad after the Paralympics?
beginning of July. Richardson explains “I just look to give 100% and to always be open to improvements.”
“A top 6 finish in the 2013 Europeans and a programme aimed at qualifying for Rio or the 2020 games.”
HEROES
What are your aspirations for the sport in Great Britain following the games?
ROB RICHARDSON
“To have a sport than can compete for athletes with the more established Paralympic sports. The introduction of a National League for the sport and to establish sitting volleyball as the volleyball player’s discipline of choice!”
THE GREAT BRITAIN MEN’S CAPTAIN WILL BE IN THE HEAT OF ALL THE ACTION THIS SUMMER, SO WHAT MAKES THIS EXCEPTIONAL LEADER TICK?
SUPPORT Behind every great man is a great woman. Rob’s wife supports him whilst he lives away from home to train, compete and follow his dream. “Without that support none of this would be possible,” he says. “After the games, I can’t wait to see my wife and daughter for more than two days every three weeks. I’ll have a couple of weeks rest and then I’m sure I will get itchy feet and be back on court again, turning my focus to Rio in 2016.”
PRIDE Becoming a Paralympic athlete has helped change people’s perception of him as a person with a disability, but the most important thing is that it’s changed the perception of himself. He explains, “I was someone who would do everything he could to hide his disability until getting involved in a Paralympic sport, now I’m proud of my disability and what it has done for me. I’d recommend the same to anyone.”
PREPARATION Richardson is using all of his seven years experience as he prepares for the biggest sporting event on the planet, “It’s harder to prepare for than anything else. We will just ensure that we find a good routine and block out things that don’t concern us.” he says. Despite the pressure, preparation has been going well for Rob and the team, they have been full time training since the
Richardson had the chance to teach his sporting hero David Beckham sitting volleyball earlier this year. “In the British team I’m lucky to count Muzaffar Jabbar and Richard Dobell as teammates, being able to train with these guys has taught me so much. Internationally, I would recommend to anyone that they should check out the Iranian libero in London, I’ve never seen anything like it!” he says.
EXPERIENCE Richardson started back in 2005, when the sport was just starting up again. “I was one of the first to try it out, and one of the only ones left now!” he laughs. “Captaining the guys at the World Championships was a great experience as it was our first taste of a major competition. As well as being able to inspire others through my role as an Ambassador for Paralympic sponsor Sainsbury’s, but I’m hoping the best experiences are to come, starting in London in August.”
RIVALS Richardson is looking forward to playing against the top two teams in Bosnia and Iran but he prefers playing Russia. “It’s one of those matches where you need to play without fear and just go toe-to-toe!” he says. Richardson is more concerned with his GB team and their performance. “I’m hoping that we can achieve a top 5 finish, we need to work hard as we get closer to the Games to do that, but it’s more than achievable. Overall, we are just looking to be the best that we can be.”
AMBITIONS What’s left for the man who has done so much already? “As a setter, the team’s goals are dependant on my performance – so I’m putting pressure on myself to perform like my best in training.” He explains, “For my team, it’s to lead them to London 2012, and play to the best of our ability and create a lasting legacy for sitting volleyball in the country. I’m also pretty keen to be the first British sitting volleyball player to win 100 caps!” Richardson firmly believes that sitting volleyball is an incredible sport which is so accessible and easy to play. “London 2012 will be the platform for this and we have to make sure that we capitalise on the potential to attract new players and move our sport into becoming one of the best known Paralympic sports in the UK,” he says.
ANTON RAIMONDO
www.volleyballengland.org PROFILE Age: 34 Position: Hitter Club: East London Lynx Disability: Left Knee Amputee No. years playing: 3.5 years No. of GB caps: 51 Hometown: London
5 Things… HE HAD NO IDEA Anton says he was motivated to keep fit and have the camaraderie of playing a team sport. “I phoned up the London Strategic Sport Development Team who advised me of team sports in my area. Luckily sitting volleyball was just down the road from me, even though I had no idea what the sport was at the time!”
HE IS READY Anton’s preparations have been well planned with increases in training and appropriate rest periods. “I am feeling energised, confident and ready to play volleyball!”
HE LOVES STATS Anton says “We have very good video backed statistics of our sport and of my performance. I try and ensure my performance improves from competition to competition and that my results are among the best in the team.”
HE CAN’T WAIT He says, “It will be amazing to represent GB at the Paralympics, something I wouldn’t have dreamed of a few years ago. What an honour! I can’t imagine the feelings that I will have at the time. I can’t wait!”
HE’S ADVENTUROUS Anton will take a 6 month break after the Games. “I will be taking a 4x4 Land Cruiser with my girlfriend and driving from London to Cape Town. We will leave one month after the Games and plan to take 6 months off driving down the West Coast of Africa,” he says.
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www.volleyballengland.org VOLLEYBALL GAMES MAKERS LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VOLUNTEERS ARE CALLED ‘GAMES MAKERS’ BECAUSE THEY HELP MAKE THE GAMES HAPPEN! ACCORDING TO LORD SEBASTIAN COE (LONDON 2012 ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIR) ‘VOLUNTEERS CAN MAKE OR BREAK THE GAMES.’
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CAROL GORDON
Tomasz will be responsible for the preparation and running of training venues for volleyball teams participating in the Games. “I have a real feeling of pride about my role and the whole experience.” Like most Games Makers, Tomasz has had to make personal sacrifices to undertake his role – he is missing out on his family holiday, using 15 days of Annual Leave and travelling four hours per day. However, for Tomasz, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and “to have memories that will stay with me forever.” After the Games Tomasz will still play for his team, KS Osemka, and hopes to get more involved with training juniors in his club. He hopes to do more event volunteering, so hopefully we will see him at the National Cup Finals!
ATHLETE SERVICES TEAM LEADER FOR VOLLEYBALL
Carol will be coordinating and leading a team of leaders who will assist the transition of squads from drop off at the stadium through to warm up and match courts. It is Carol’s “lifetime ambition to be
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at a Games either as a member of staff or volunteer” as she has “thought about the significance of the Games for over 25 years.” Carol’s highlight so far has been “the meeting and building of our sports specific teams, which feels like the extended family.”
ATHLETE SERVICES TEAM MEMBER FOR VOLLEYBALL
Elise will be the main point of contact for a team from when they arrive at Earls Court until they depart. This includes welcoming the team, escorting the team to their changing rooms, to the warm-up courts and to the match court; and then being present at the match to assist them, should they need anything. Elise thinks “It is a very exciting role, as we get to be close to the athletes and we might get opportunities to see a few games too.” She really enjoyed volunteering in the same role at the indoor Test Event last summer and is “I’m really looking forward to working with the great team of people again.” Elise currently plays volleyball for Adur Volleyball club in the Sussex local league and for Sussex Dolphins in NVL Division 2 and is also the Club’s secretary.
GERARD VAN ZWIETEN
TRAINING VENUE TEAM LEADER FOR VOLLEYBALL
GAMES MAKERS FIELD OF PLAY MARSHALL FOR VOLLEYBALL
GABRIELA COLOTTO
TOMASZ STEFANOWICZ
We meet just a few of the Games Makers and find out what they will be up to during the Games…
ELISE DUPUY
Up to 550 Games Makers will be volunteering in the Sports Competition Team for volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball. Further Games Makers will also be involved at volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball venues in ‘non-sports’ roles such as media, client services and catering.
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London 2012 Games Makers have received the most rigorous training of any Games volunteers with the majority receiving at least three training sessions before they start their role - Orientation training, Role-specific training and Venue-specific training.
nif o
Approximately 240,000 people from across the world applied to be Games Makers. 100,000 were interviewed and of these 70,000 were offered role in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. This is the first time all Olympic and Paralympic Games volunteers have been interviewed.
FIELD OF PLAY TEAM MEMBER FOR VOLLEYBALL
Gerard is the Volleyball England Community Development Coach for Leicestershire and Rutland, and will be using some of his Annual Leave to volunteer as a Games Maker, because he wants to be involved in a “unique opportunity on the doorstep.” Gerard has previously volunteered at other major International Events including the ECVD Continental Cup in Kettering last year and the Special Olympics Winter Games in Austria in 1996. As a Field of Play Marshall, Gerard will be responsible for the movement of players and officials around main court and warm up courts. He is hoping to be part of a “successful Olympic Games which will be remembered forever.”
Gabriela will be a ball retriever and floor mopper. She’s volunteered in the same role for the Italian Volleyball Premier League in the past and the Sainsbury’s School Games this
SHEFFIELD ACADEMY OF YOUNG LEADERS (SAYLS)
year in London. She also volunteered at the indoor Volleyball Test Event where she was amazed by the technical level and height of the players. “You don’t get to see players 6 foot 10 inches every day! I am more than happy to give up my time to help the Olympics run as smoothly as possible and I hope the Olympics will inspire other young people to take up volleyball.”
YOUNG GAMES MAKERS FOR VOLLEYBALL 17 young people (aged 16 to 18) accompanied by four group leaders will be courtside assistants. They have already fulfilled this role at all Sheffield based European League Fixtures and National Cup Finals. Leader, Jay Roper, is keen for SAYLs to have this experience because “it is the ultimate sports volunteering experience for the young people involved and a fantastic reward for those who have dedicated a great deal of time and effort to volunteering and leadership.” The main challenge will be raising £25,000 to pay for
IAN FAIRCLOUGH
ELISE DUPUY AT THE INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEST EVENT
Julia will be looking after the training courts and the players as they use the courts. She may even assist with their training drills if required! Julia has been involved in volleyball for the past 30 years as a player, volunteer and teacher. She applied to be a Games Maker because since she was 10 years old. “I have always wanted to ‘be involved’ in the Games in some way, once I realised I wasn’t going to get there as a competitor!” Julia was also a spectator at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
ATHLETE SERVICES TEAM LEADER FOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Ian played beach volleyball Internationally in the early 1990s, including the 1992 FIVB World Championships in Rio, where the FIVB hosted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which was fundamental to beach volleyball being adopted as an Olympic sport. He will use this experience to ensure that the athletes have an excellent experience whilst on site at Horse Guards Parade and support other Games Makers to do so too. Ian is looking forward to “seeing the sport being played in the Queen’s front garden in what is such a special year for our Queen!” Ian has already made an extensive commitment to Beach Volleyball as a volunteer through being President of the Volleyball England Beach Commission and also as a member of the CEV beach volleyball Commission.
Graham and Lyle will be ensuring the courts are correctly set up at the beginning of each session of play and then making sure that there are no problems with any of the equipment during the session. Both have been involved in the Weymouth Beach Classic since it’s inauguration in 1983 which has given them plenty of experience for the role. The Weymouth Beach Classic was the first beach volleyball event to be held in England, so for Graham “To have the opportunity to see the sport go from there to being in the Olympics at Horse Guards Parade could not be missed!”
ISABELLE COLLOT
TRAINING SITE TEAM MEMBER FOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Herman will be capturing and recording statistics and volleyballspecific data throughout the live competition. He has been involved in volleyball for over 36 years as a player, line judge, referee and committee member. “Having the opportunity to be involved in the greatest sports tournament in the world has been a dream since London announced its intention to be a candidate city for the Games.” Post-Olympics Herman hopes to “transfer my knowledge on to others, as part of my personal ‘legacy’ of the Games.”
FIELD OF PLAY ATTENDANTS FOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ATHLETE SERVICES GROUP LEADER FOR SITTING VOLLEYBALL
TIM GODSON
HERMAN PRADA
SPORT STATISTICIAN FOR VOLLEYBALL
JULIA LANE
travel, accommodation and catering for all 21 people involved!
LYLE GRAHAM HARMON-BEGLAN SAWYER
www.volleyballengland.org
FIELD OF PLAY ATTENDANT FOR SITTING VOLLEYBALL
Isabelle will be managing a team of 24 individuals responsible for looking after the sitting volleyball teams at EXCEL on game days. She undertook a similar role at the ECVD Continental Cup last year. Isabelle is looking forward to “experiencing the Greatest Show On Earth with the best volleyball and sitting volleyball players and to meet new people who share the same passion.” After the Paralympics Isabelle will continue volunteering for international and national events in volleyball and sitting volleyball as well as with her current club IMKA Polonia London.
Tim will be helping to set up the courts and making sure everything is ready for each game, liaising with officials before and during the game and looking after other volunteers and the teams whilst they are courtside. Tim wanted to support the Paralympics and felt “It was a fantastic chance to get involved in the greatest sporting event, especially where volleyball in Great Britain is on the world stage for the first time.” One of Tim’s highlights so far is “Getting Jonathan Edwards signature on my work book at Wembley.” Tim is already heavily involved in volleyball and is currently Chair and Coach for York Volleyball Club, Regional Secretary and has played for the past 15 years.
Volleyball England hope that all Games Makers really enjoy the opportunity to play such an important role in delivering the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and continue their involvement volunteering in volleyball in England.
For further information about how to get into volunteering please contact Ilona Berry, National Volunteer and Leadership Development Officer on i.berry@volleyballengland.org or 01509 227713.
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GB WOMEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM
AUDREY COOPER IS AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER WHO LOVES TO CHALLENGE EXPECTATIONS...
AUDREY
COOPER It is 16 years since Audrey Cooper set foot on an Olympic Volleyball Court. Unusually, there was sand between her feet. Her ninth placing in Atlanta - achieved while she was also holding down a full-time job - shows how driven she was and it has not changed over the years.
She remains (for the time being) together with Amanda ‘Mo’ Glover, Great Britain’s only Volleyball Olympians, qualifying for, and representing GB, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. “The Atlanta Games was a career highlight from a playing perspective and I have many memories of our performances - feeling that ‘something extra’ because it was the Olympic Games. I also have many memories of the whole Olympic experience – not only as an athlete myself but also the experience of our friends and families; for them to be involved in what was the pinnacle of our sporting careers was very special. It’s something that can never be taken away.”
a team of athletes, understanding how to get the best from each and every one of them and then knowing how best they come together to function as a team. I think as a coach, there are a lot more elements to consider but pressure doesn’t come into it, it’s the same principle, if all the staff and players deliver their job then we will function at our best.”
As a junior player, she competed in Scotland, moving south to develop her game where she played for Hillingdon and then competed for over 18 years as setter for London Malory, captain for the last 10 years. Internationally, Cooper competed for over 20 years - indoor and beach and has 11 years coaching experience. “Obviously at Atlanta I was involved in beach volleyball and now Indoor over the last 12 years, we have seen that on a world level, the women’s game has changed. There are far more athletes now who are professional, volleyball is their full time job.
“Overall, physically the athlete profile is now much bigger; the introduction of the libero has altered the nature of middle blockers in particular; and strong serving has become a big feature of successful teams. Generally, teams are operating higher and playing a faster game. “From a coaching perspective we have had to adapt our systems-style to respond to this. We also now have a lot more technology involved in the game, to call upon both in real time and pre/post match.” As she looks ahead to this summer, Cooper cannot wait to compete. She has seen her team increase their work rate and achieve victories over some of the worlds top teams. “I am so excited about the summer of 2012 and what the London Olympics has in store for the GB Women. Competing in a home Games is a huge honour for the players and the staff, to see many years of hard work (on and off the court) come together in the
Now Cooper is on more solid foundations as she leads the women’s indoor team to London. This has been against the odds, as Cooper and her team have achieved so much without funding. “Through some fantastic support from partners we have found solutions to allow us to have a good preparation programme for this summer. More matches would definitely have helped but they are a hungry bunch of athletes and they have given up a lot to be here.”
RACHEL LAYBOURNE
RACHEL BRAGG
SAVANAH LEAF
LUCY WICKS Setter
Opposite Outside Hitter
JENNIFER TAYLOR
MARIA BERTELLI Libero
Outside Hitter Opposite
JOANNE MORGAN
LYNNE BEATTIE
LIZZIE REID
JANINE SANDELL
GRACE CARTER
CIARA MICHEL
Outside Hitter
Outside Hitter
Cooper took the decision to switch to coaching after missing out on qualifying for the beach event at Sydney and quickly made the step to international level. “As a player, first and foremost, you are responsible for delivering your own performance, you are totally in control of you. Then you are working with and for the team to achieve the performance goals. In coaching you are responsible for preparing
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Setter
Outside Hitter
MEET THE 2012 TEAM
Middle Blocker
Outside Hitter
Middle Blocker
Middle Blocker
www.volleyballengland.org
lives for at least 5 years. I know there will be some broken hearts so I know that they are some broken hearts, but this is what playing and coaching at an elite level is all about. The key thing for me as a coach is being able to look the athletes in the eye, tell them my decision and the reasons behind it.” In the build up to the Games, the self funded team have been based at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s training base in Sheffield. They have been working hard during training and setting their objectives for the biggest volleyball competition of their careers. “Generally this summer we train twice a day, two volleyball sessions or a volleyball session and a strength & conditioning session. Right before the Games we will be reducing to one volleyball session, working on team play and game plan tactics for the team that we will face the following day. The build-up for the matches will also include two video sessions and much needed recovery and regeneration.” biggest sporting event in the world will be incredible. Without question, the standard of players has risen significantly, as a result of some hard work last summer, but also wanting to do the best for GB during the winter at their professional clubs. The commitment they have shown to this mentality, of ‘no stone unturned’ and looking for that extra 1% has been excellent. It has been better than any other year.” “Wins over world ranked top 20 teams such as Peru, Kazakahstan and Argentina but also big performances against Japan, Serbia and the Netherlands – showing that we have the ability to compete with top teams. It’s bringing this consistency to our game that takes us to the next level.” Outside of competitive matches, they has been massive improvements to each athletes games in the squad. Seeing them develop PMTT (physical, mental, technical and tactical) and the belief we as a squad have shown, to be bold and develop our own style of play. This year Cooper has reduced her squad from 20 down to 12. As a coach she thrives
on making tough decisions but this was one of hardest things she has ever had to do. “We started in April with 20 athletes, I felt I needed to see how the players returned physically and mentally and give them the opportunity to demonstrate the improvements they had made – I was pleasantly surprised, but that made my job harder. Obviously, we couldn’t operate at these numbers for long so I reduced the squad to 17 and then after a further three week training block in Sheffield I made the decision to go to 14 players. Each selection becoming harder. As a coach you want those decisions to be tough, it is a clear indication of the strength in the squad and of the effort each and every player is putting in to put themselves in the running for selection.” “The final selection of 12 players happened at the end of June. The squad were made aware of what the process would be before returning to Sheffield. It is not something that I take lightly. These players have dreamt of playing in an Olympic Games, they have given up their
“First and foremost is to win one game, our stretch target is two wins to give us a chance to make the quarter finals. Two wins would not guarantee progression but wins would be a massive achievement.” Cooper is determined that she and her team leave a legacy in the sport. Audrey has undertaken the role of mentor for a number of UK coaches in both volleyball and other sports and has been recruited by UK Sport to assist with the delivery of their Elite Coach Apprenticeship Programme. “As a team, a big goal of ours has been to help create a legacy for women’s volleyball in the UK – we have done a lot of work with schools and supporting the Home Nations as much as possible which I hope will have a positive impact, the public seeing us succeed will inspire people to take up the fantastic sport of Volleyball. My personal aspirations are to have inspired more people to play our fantastic sport, increase our talent pool and opportunities for youngsters, for our sport to have an elite mindset and ultimately to qualify for an Olympic Games in the future, be that 2016 or 2020.”
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GB WOMEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM
It’s a
family thing WHILE LUCY WICKS HAS BEEN WORKING HARD ON THE COURT, HER MUM CARY WICKS HAS BEEN WORKING JUST AS HARD OFF IT, HELPING THE TEAM GAIN SUPPORT AFTER THEIR FUNDING WAS CUT.... Cary Wicks is a supermum in everybody’s eyes, not least her daughter Lucy. When it looked like her daughters dream of going to the Games was over, due to funding cuts, she put together an “Olympic” sized action plan, that not only helped the team receive financial support but left a volleyball legacy across the UK. Such was her remarkable dedication and energy, that she won the New Volunteer of Year Award at Volleyball England 2012 Annual Awards. Not only due to the amount she has managed to achieve within a year but also the uniqueness of what she has done. Cary from Bournemouth, Dorset, played an integral role in gaining support (financial and otherwise) for the Great Britain Women’s Volleyball Team. She was responsible for organising and managing training week in Poole, for the whole squad and she edits the GB Women’s supporters bimonthly newsletter - keeping everyone up to date with the teams progress. However, it was Cary’s ‘Adopt An Olympian’ scheme, which has really captured the imagination and lead to a whole new set of young volleyball fans, and will hopefully inspirer future Olympians. The scheme gave schools and pupils the chance to engage with a GB player – an aspiring Olympian – as they worked towards the goal of playing in the 2012 Olympics. “Our aim was to maximise the feeling of involvement in the London 2012 Olympic Games, raise awareness of the sport, get more people playing volleyball across the country, and inspire pupils to follow their goals and achieve success,” Cary says.
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THE WICKS FAMILY AT A RECENT GB INTERNATIONAL
“The basis of the scheme was that a school ‘Adopts’ a player - one of the members of the squad, a full time athlete in training for the London 2012 Olympic Games and becomes part of their journey. We asked the school or college to run at least one fundraising event and donate the proceeds to the GB Women’s Programme,” she explains. The scheme was set up to be as interactive as possible, to give pupils a real insight to what it means to have such a huge ambition, the commitment needed, the opportunities and fun it brings and what is required in terms of constant effort to achieve that goal. Cary has been overwhelmed at it’s success with 48 schools involved in the scheme across England and Scotland, and over 52,000 pupils engaged in the scheme. She says, “Fundraising events included wear your sportswear to school day, charity auctions, raffle and even a cup cake sale. Some schools chose to run a series of small events, while others have run a whole school event.” Speaking on the eve of her Olympic dream, Lucy, her daughter, is immensely proud of what her mum has done for her team and the sport. “I am extremely proud and thankful to my mum for helping me and the team achieve our Olympic Dream. It is amazing what she has done for us. She knew how important our
Olympic Dream was and from day one she vowed that she would do what she could to keep it alive. Mum has coordinated an extremely successful scheme which has not only helped us financially, allowing us to put together a first class preparation programme this summer, but she has also helped us as players spread the word of volleyball to thousands of school children who are the future of our sport. The scheme has been an invaluable part of our journey and has made it that much more special.” And so as her daughter prepares for the biggest competition of her lifetime, how does Cary view her part in keeping the GB women’s ‘dream alive’ and what’s next for the supermum? “It’s been a privilege to help Lucy and the GB squad raise the money they needed to keep their dream alive. I’ve seen first hand their drive and passion, and have experienced how they have worked to inspire the children (and teachers) that have got involved in the scheme. The feedback from participating schools has been phenomenal - they have relished the opportunity to follow an aspiring Olympian in the build up to 2012. And what’s next? Well, I’m now going to enjoy watching the GB Women’s Team realise their dream - that’s what it has all been about!”
www.volleyballengland.org
LUCY WICKS
Wicks, 30, has been playing for 15 years. The GB Setter started playing at Wessex Volleyball Club and has since played for Loughborough University, City of Wolverhampton, London Malory, Quimper (France) and Alemannia Aachen, in the German Bundesliga for the last two seasons.
Her parents have had a big influence on her career, teaching her the importance of commitment, determination and hard work from an early age. Her coach, Audrey Cooper has played a huge part in building her confidence in herself and her ability.
WICKS IN HER OWN WORDS… ON GETTING STARTED “My sister started playing for Wessex and invited me along to a session. I immediately fell in love with this new, dynamic sport and have never looked back.”
ON MOST MEMORABLE SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT “Winning our first ever match as GB. It was on home soil against Albania in front of a great crowd.”
ON LIFE AS A PROFESSIONAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYER “Playing pro is brilliant. I love being able to do what I love everyday and get paid for it; it really is the perfect job. It has also taken me out of my comfort zone and I have had to live in a foreign country, something that I never thought I would want to do but learning a new language and a new culture has been great.”
ON PRE MATCH SUPERSTITIONS “I would not say I am superstitious but I do have various set things that I like to do before a game. My pre match snack is always a banana and coffee and I will always have another banana with me for the game.”
ON PREPARATION FOR THE GAMES “I have been keeping my head down and working hard for the past few years. I have continually challenged myself with new goals so that come the Olympics this summer I will be the best player I can be.”
ON REPRESENTING GB AT LONDON 2012 “To represent GB on home soil at the Olympics is every athletes dream. It is a huge honour and I will be holding my head up proudly.”
“I want to consistently deliver for my team. I am one of the leaders on the court and my role is very important in how we operate offensively. At the end of the Games, I want to be able to turn round and say I did everything I possibly could have done.”
ON THE OPPOSITION “I cannot wait to play Japan again. They are a team who we aspire to be like and I enjoy the challenge that they bring in terms of offence and defence.”
ON PLANS AFTER THE GAMES “We have the European Championship Qualifiers in September and then I will be looking at playing another Pro season somewhere.”
ON ASPIRATIONS AFTER THE GAMES “I hope that the Olympics provide a launch pad for volleyball in Great Britain. The heightened exposure of the game will hopefully encourage more people to take up volleyball and for it to become more of a mainstream sport like it is across the rest of the world.” GB’s vicecaptain is a talented all rounder, having played for Charlton Athletic in the 2007 FA Cup Final. The 34 year old Libero has been playing volleyball for over 20 years and has represented Great Britain against some of the world’s best teams. Inspired and supported by friends and family, she pays homage to all the coaches that have pushed her, inspired her and given her opportunities to play, in particular current GB Head Coach Audrey Cooper.
MARIA BERTELLI
ONES to WATCH
ON PERSONAL AMBITIONS FOR THE GAMES
Bertelli began playing at an after school club at St. Damians RC High, run by Richard Jump (Tameside VC) and then joined the former Manchester United Salford Club where they played in junior tournaments such as Pontins and Regional Championships.
6 Things… SHE WORKS HARD Maria says the best thing about playing pro (apart from getting to live in great countries) is constantly being challenged, particularly mentally and then delivering the performance that you worked hard for and wanted. “From a results perspective, my best experience as a pro-player is coming 3rd in the league last year - winning a medal was great and we delivered when it mattered,” she says.
SHE IS PREPARED Maria and her team mates have all been working hard over the winter and the matches against Peru gave them opportunity to see exactly where they were at, getting the win was a big boost, especially as they were still missing players! “Since then we have been progressing nicely but mostly trying to solidify and make our game more consistent,” she says.
SHE HAS NOTHING TO PROVE Not many people would have got to where we are today with the obstacles that Maria and her fellow team have overcome in terms of no funding. “I really believe we have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves,” she says.
SHE IS LOST FOR WORDS “It is quite difficult to put into words what this summer means. The Olympics is something I have grown up on, and see it as the greatest sporting event in the world. Daley Thompson, Sally Gunnell, Sir Steve Redgrave, Dame Kelly Holmes are all Olympic icons that I look up to. Being an ‘Olympian’ puts you in a unique group and is something that nobody can ever take away from you .I love representing my country, to represent GB at the ‘Greatest Sporting Event On Earth’ is the ultimate.”
SHE ENJOYS A CHALLENGE “We have such varying opposition in our pool, from maybe the biggest (Russia) to the smallest (Japan) team, and very contrasting styles of play, which means we will be challenged in many different ways. We have played two of the teams (Japan & Dominican Republic) already and I really enjoyed playing Japan - their defence is phenomenal which means we have to be patient and be prepared to rally just as hard as them. Individually, maybe the ‘biggest’ challenge is Russia’s Gamova!”
SHE PLAYS THE PERFECT SPORT She really believes volleyball is the perfect sport for all levels of ability, all ages and both male and female. “I would like volleyball to become a sport that is played on a regular basis by all ages, not just at school or on holiday.” She adds, “From a performance perspective, increasing the number of players and providing them with opportunity to develop their game to allow the national teams to compete with other top nations. We need the players to take up the opportunities given.”
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We look at the phenomenal momentum that is being harnessed to grow volleyball in England, together with the high profile interest that is being generated by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Volleyball England’s Hall of Fame has 48 inductees, recognising the contribution made by some of England’s best players, coaches, and referees from over the past thirty years.
The number of young people who have experienced volleyball since 2009.
LEGACY IN NUMBERS
By August 2012 Volleyball England will have helped build 35 new beach courts including supporting the build of England’s only indoor beach facility at Oakmead College, Bournemouth.
Through the Change 4 Life project 432 schools have experienced volleyball for the first time. Each school received an innovative wall slider net system.
The number of Higher Education Volleyball Officers (HEVOs) working hard to get more people, coaching and officiating at Universities.
If you add up the total circulation figure for volleyball in the press and media since 2009, it comes to an incredible 140,000,000.
The amount of legacy volleyball equipment items that will be allocated after the Games have finished across Great Britain.
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In 2009, sitting volleyball was re- introduced in to England, as a result of London being awarded the Games. There are now 10 sitting centre’s around the country helping to develop the sport.
Will be the total number of volleyball Olympians and Paralympians in this country following the London 2012 Games.
The number of full time Community Development Coaches (CDCs) working in schools to get more young people playing and building a volleyball habit for life.
www.volleyballengland.org The number of tonnes of sand donated by LOCOG from the beach volleyball Test Event and the London 2012 Olympic Games that is being used to build brand new beach courts around England.
We have been awarded the Olympic Inspire Mark for two projects. These are part of the London 2012 Inspire programme’s exceptional family of projects, with ambition to use the Games as the inspiration to make real and lasting change.
English referees representing Great Britain across sitting, indoor and beach volleyball.
The estimated number of people who watched BBC breakfast when Mike Bushell tried volleyball as part of go spike. Visit the go spike website to find out more www.gospike.net.
The number of trained volleyball, sitting and beach volleyball technical officials selected for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The combined investment to help build 35 new beach courts. The figure of funding from Sport England towards these sites is £524,875.
Last year 20 semi permanent nets were delivered around England to popular tourist beach destinations to get more people playing.
The National Volleyball Centre, Kettering was opened 3 years ago and is now Europe’s only FIVB development centre. The centre has held over 50 development activities including conferences and training courses. In 2011, it hosted the biggest volleyball tournament held in England in over 20 years - the ECVD Continental Cup.
The National Academy has been set up to ensure young athletes have a better environment to play in and a clear pathway to realise their potential at future Olympic Games. 18 students have been on or are currently at the Academy.
The Go Spike campaign was launched to get more adults playing. 3046 new adults have played volleyball at 84 events.
Volleyball England currently supports more than 160 players in talent pathways from beach and indoor volleyball with more than 25% in full time, professional environments. These athletes are working hard on becoming the next group of Great Britain Olympians!
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GB MEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM
COACH VIEW...
HARRY BROKKING
Having taken the Netherlands to 5th place at the Seoul Olympics, GB Men’s Coach Harry Brokking looks ahead to London… What has been your career highlight as a coach up until this point? “As the head coach of a national team I would pick the 3rd place in the European Championships of 1989 with the Netherlands - a massive experience as a very young coach. As a club coach I would choose the period I was working in Paris where I won 3 National Championship. As the head coach of the GB team I would say the Olympic Games Test Event in London, with wins over Mexico and Egypt.”
more understandable for the spectators and the television. You can play the ball not only with your hands or upper body, but also with your legs and feet. We have also seen the introduction of the ‘libero’. However, the biggest change was the change in the scoring!”
What’s the difference between the team you coached then and the GB squad now? “When I started coaching the Dutch national team, it was already one of the top teams in Europe. In 1987 we took the 5th place in the European Championships and in 1988 the 5th place in the Olympics. The next step was to make the team a ‘medal winning team’”.
How exciting is it to be involved in another Olympic Games? “It is very, very exciting and I cannot wait to be there. Now it will be even more exciting than 24 years ago in Seoul. Not only because this time I will be the head coach, but also and mostly, because we will be playing at ‘OUR’ games, in front of our own crowd.”
PETER BAKARE Middle
BEN PIPES Setter
DAMI BAKARE Opposite
JASON HALDANE Opposite
DAN HUNTER Libero
MARK PLOTYCZER Outside
MARK MCGIVERN Middle
ANDREW PINK Outside
NATHAN FRENCH Outside
JOEL MILLER Outside
CHRIS LAMONT Middle
KIERAN O’MALLEY Setter
How has the sport changed from those Games to now? “A lot of changes have taken place in volleyball. Not only is the game faster and the athletes are stronger, but also the rules have changed a lot. The FIVB has been looking a lot, to make our sport more attractive and
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MEET THE 2012 TEAM
www.volleyballengland.org “When I started working with the GB team, we started from zero. With the help of our World Class Programme and the dedication of everybody involved (staff, players and the administration behind us) we quickly made some steps on the international ladder of volleyball and now we can consider ourselves as a strong, competitive team in the volleyball world. A big, big achievement in such a short period of time.”
Most of the players have been training and competing in Europe, how do you support them and monitor their performance? “All our players have been playing in professional leagues in Europe. The five players in Holland were supervised by my assistant coach Joel Banks, as he himself was working as a club coach in the Netherlands. The other players were supervised by me. We received monthly updates from the players, and I was also in regular contact with their club coaches. And of course I went to Europe myself, to see the players in training and matches with their clubs.”
Could you briefly outline the team selection process? “At the beginning of the year I announced a pre selection of 25 players. The selection was brought down to 16 players in the first week of April. With those 16 players we started working around the 18th of April. After one month of daily training and several matches, we decided to cut two players. The proposal of the 12 players selected for the Olympics was given on the 19th of June to the BOA and at the same day announced to the players. The official announcement of the GB men’s indoor volleyball team for the Olympics was made on 29th of June in Sheffield.”
What characteristics does a player have to show to be selected the captain at Olympics? “Most of all he has to be an example, by dedication, desire and devotion to the programme and for everybody involved in the programme. He is ‘the face’ of the team! Then he needs to be a leader on and off the court.”
Do you think that the standard of players eligible for selection has risen this year? “Of course, because our players have the right work ethic - they consider every moment on the court and every touch of the ball as an opportunity to get better. So everything you do, you do it for 100%. This, together with a lot of matches for their clubs, ensures they come back every year as better players.”
What does a typical training session consist of for the athletes in the build up to the Games? “If I take a typical attack session, it looks more or less like this: the training always starts with a thorough warm-up. First without ball (stretching, some core work and speed), then with the ball. The next part of the training will consist of exercises concerning the individual attack of the players (through the different exercises the players will attack around 100 balls each). The last part of the training is always a team drill, for example a side-out attack exercise. We finish the training with a proper ‘cool-down’. This training will take almost 3 hours and is part of a 5 hour daily training programme.”
Do you have any set targets for the Games? “Like every athlete, we have our set targets. The most important thing is not just to participate, but to show the (volleyball) world, that we can compete with the top teams. Next to that we have to use the Olympics as a platform to make our sport more popular in Great Britain and show the British people the beauty of our sport, which I consider as ‘THE’ team sport above all other sports. Volleyball in the rest of the world is a very big sport and a (top) sport nation like Great Britain should be among the best in every big sport!” “Our ‘secret’ target for the games is, to survive the group stages and play the quarter finals. This would be a massive achievement, something the whole world would talk about!”
What’s next for the GB squad after the Olympics? “I can only hope that the Olympics are just a start for the development of our sport in Great Britain. At the Olympics, we will have a very young GB team. A team that can only get better and I’m convinced that this team, with the right funding and the support of all the Home Nations, can become one of the better teams of the World.”
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GB MEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM
ONES to WATCH
photograph©BM Totterdell.
BAKARE PREVIOUSLY PLAYED BASKETBALL FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND WAS INTRODUCED TO VOLLEYBALL BY HIS PE TEACHER IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
DAMI BAKARE
2011 was a memorable year for Bakare, he was top scorer at the London Test Event and he was named the BOA Sports Person of The Year. The 23 year old has over 40 caps for Great Britain.
BAKARE IN HIS OWN WORDS… ON PLAYING VOLLEYBALL “You won’t learn everything overnight but as long as you’re willing to keep practising the better your technique will become. Remember to have fun while playing too! It’s a team sport so be encouraging to all the other members!”
ON BEING A PROFESSIONAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYER “It’s great to play against players and teams that are much more well known, talented and experienced and walking off court knowing I did myself proud against them.”
ON SUPERSTITION BEFORE A GAME “None whatsoever, but I do put my knee pads on the same knee all the time – it’s more of a comfort thing than superstition as one has a small hole in it, I should change them really.”
ON HIS BUILD UP TO 2012 “I feel it has been getting better steadily. Slower than I would like but we all have to remember that we want to be at our peak when the games come but not too early. Sessions have been tough but it’s where we need to make sure we are at our best when we need to be.”
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DAMI WILL BE PART OF FIVB HEROES CAMPAIGN DURING THE GAMES WWW.LONDON2012.COM/VOLLEYBALLHEROES
ON REPRESENTING GB AT THE OLYMPICS “Representing GB will be the final reality to the dream that is being part of the Olympics. It will be the proudest moment of my life to represent the country in a sport not well known in the UK but will allow me and the teams to showcase the quality of players we have here in our country. Though the Olympics is obviously bigger than any other competition I have played in, I will look at it as any other competition. It’s still the same court, same balls and same rules. That’s all that matters, as long as my perception is the same there is no need to worry or get nervous about the stage it is set on.”
ON SUCCESS AT THE GAMES “Success for us isn’t just the results from the games, qualifying to the next round after groups is a success, legacy after the games is a success, showing the world we have players that can compete with them is a success.”
ON PERSONAL AMBITIONS FOR LONDON “To exceed all expectations of myself in performance and give the game of my life.”
ON ASPIRATIONS FOR THE SPORT “A programme to be set up so that there is a better transition from playing in schools/clubs to playing for the country. The start of a semi-pro league would also be a nice addition.”
www.volleyballengland.org going to be the be all and end all.”
FRENCH IN HIS OWN WORDS….
ON REPRESENTING GB AT THE OLYMPICS
NATHAN FRENCH
French was nominated as BBC Young Sports Personality of The Year 2007, and in 2010, he was BOA Athlete of the Year. He was an Athlete Mentor for two consecutive years for the UK Sainsbury’s School Games 2010-2011. This season, the 22 year old won the French league in his first season with Avignon VC alongside fellow GB player Mark McGivern. Making the Olympic Team is a dream come true for French.
ON GETTING STARTED IN VOLLEYBALL
“I started in secondary school at Boswells under Darren Lewis and Sara Heaton. It was mainly for leisure with nothing serious in mind but the hybrid of power and precision quickly changed my outlook and it was a huge challenge to me as to where and what level I could take it.”
UK and Team GB proud.”
ON BUILD UP TO 2012
ON SUCCESS AT THE GAMES
“It not been easy, nor pleasant. We have had to survive some pretty gruelling sessions and sometimes I felt it was going to be the survival of the fittest. And not forgetting the players that didn’t quite manage to find a spot in the team, but it has pushed us all to be the players we are today.”
“It will be the underdog story of the century if we win a medal. Success would be to compete and put on a great spectacle for the thousands watching in Earls Court and the millions watching on TV. We want to put GB volleyball on the map.”
ON PERSONAL AMBITIONS FOR LONDON “Enjoy. Soak it up.”
“Its going to be something magical. With GB volleyball entering for the first time we are making history and hopefully we will have something to show for it. With the work we have put in everyone is worthy of wearing that GB jersey and doing Volleyball in the
ON ASPIRATIONS FOR THE SPORT “Making every sport more professional and providing the athletes with what they need to make it to the top. Having suffered with not much funding, lifestyle can become difficult and performance levels are jeopardised. Seeing other complexes and facilities abroad is a real eye opener.”
ON BEING A PROFESSIONAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYER “Winning the French league with Avignon Volleyball Club alongside Mark McGivern. It was a great yet tough season but managing to finish top with it being my first year in France also made it much sweeter.”
ON MOST MEMORABLE SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT “Making the selection to play at the London Prepares Test Event in Earls Court. We were able to beat two teams, Eygpt and Mexico and more impressively being able to compete with the likes of Serbia and Olympic Champions, USA. And now, making the cut for the Olympic Games. It’s going to be something I will never forget.”
ON SUPERSTITIONS BEFORE A GAME “I use visualisation sometimes to help prepare different aspects of my game. But if I don’t put my left shoe on first whilst counting back from ten it’s not
60 seconds with Dami (DB) and Nathan (NF)… • What is your favourite volleyball drill? DB: Hitting over a crash mat NF: Digging Game
• What is your favourite pre match meal? DB: Pasta! NF: Spaghetti Bolognaise
DB: Early mornings NF: Constantly moving with your life in a bag and not being able to do things in case you get injured
• Where is your favourite place to play volleyball? DB: Any arena where the ceiling is so high you can’t kick a ball up to it NF: France
• Do you have a philosophy/motto? DB: SKADOOSH!!! NF: Follow your heart
• What team are you most looking forward to playing at London? DB: Poland. We played them years ago at the beginning of the programme. It will be good to see how far we have come along since then NF: Italy
• Do you have a top training tip? DB: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you learn from them NF: Bring a water bottle to training
• What is the most fun part of being an athlete? DB: Access to great facilities and travelling NF: Seeing different places and meeting new people • What is the least fun?
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BEACH VOLLEYBALL REFEREES
DAMIEN SEARLE GRADE: International Beach Volleyball Referee
OCCUPATION: Currently professional referee NUMBER OF YEARS REFEREEING: 22 BEACH VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: • Winning 7 tournaments on the Queensland beach tour • Commentator on the Australian beach tour for 2 years • Line Judging at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, including the Men’s bronze match • Refereeing 15 matches at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, 12 as 2nd ref, including the Women’s bronze match INTERESTING FACT: Damien is the only person to have been both an Olympic Line Judge and Olympic Referee for Beach Volleyball.
GREG THOMPSON GRADE: International Beach Volleyball Referee OCCUPATION: Radio Network Design Manager NUMBER OF YEARS REFEREEING: 14 (10 years volleyball; 7 years beach volleyball with an overlap in the middle) BEACH VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS: • Passing my International Referee Candidates Course in 2007 • Refereeing my 1st Gold Final medal match on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in Aland (Finland), 2009 • Receiving the nomination to be an international referee for the London 2012 Olympic Games INTERESTING FACT: Greg was an Olympic Torchbearer on Day 4, when the Torch visited Bristol on 22 May which was a very proud moment for him.
How did you first get into refereeing? DS I started playing tournaments in 1991 and if you lost you had to referee the next match, so I guess this was when I started. I started refereeing ‘professionally’ in 1993 when I got a job at an indoor sports centre which had four beach courts and ran nightly social leagues. GT By accident really. My local league stipulated that all local matches needed to be officiated by qualified refs. As my club didn’t have any at the time, I put myself forward for the next available course and passed in October 1998. It all progressed from there really.
– and won – and celebrated by dancing on the Hummer on display by the side of the court. GT I guess it would have to be my first ever gold medal match which took place during the Beach Volleyball World Tour in Aland, 2009. I had had a steady tournament and nailed a quarter final women’s match between Brazil & Germany which I’m sure put me in the frame for the Women’s Gold Final. However, when the assignment of 1st Referee for the Gold Final was announced I was really surprised, as I didn’t expect it at all. The match went well and I got off the stand with a real buzz, though the match itself was played in persistent drizzle. Maybe this had a bearing on the choice of referee, as I would be used to the inclement weather conditions!
And why beach volleyball? DS Apart from it being Queensland, ‘The Sunshine State’, my choice of beach was mostly about being involved in the play at all times. GT Good question, I started to make the transition in 2005/06 and felt more comfortable being outdoors on the beach – it suits my temperament and besides which, nothing can beat a glorious day in the sunshine!
What has been the most memorable game that you’ve refereed and why? DS The 2006 FIVB Beach World Tour Grand Slam Women’s final in Paris. This was my first Grand Slam Final as 1st referee, in only my 2nd full season as an International Referee. It was between the two best teams in the world, May/Walsh (USA) and Juliana/Larrisa (BRA). It was also memorable because of a certain incident where Walsh accidentally came under the net as Juliana was diving and ended up kneeing her in the head. Juliana needed medical treatment but came back and played
SEARLE & THOMPSON DAMIEN SEARLE AND GREG THOMPSON AT THE 2o11 TEST EVENT
BEACH VOLLEYBALL REFEREES
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www.volleyballengland.org What is the most fun part about being an international beach volleyball referee? DS We do get to travel to some interesting countries and cities. For example, I’ve been to Brazil, China, Greece, Poland and Norway to name just a few. GT Two things: the travel to foreign countries and mixing with such diverse people when you’re there, who are so passionate about the sport. I was assigned to the World Tour events in Shanghai and Beijing this year, something I would never thought possible five years ago.
killer especially when I have a young family. My young children are very aware of what I do and miss me a lot when I travel. International refereeing consumes almost all of my annual leave and as a family we haven’t had more than a week’s holiday together during the summer for the past 5 years.
How do you prepare yourself to referee at an Olympic games? DS I treat it the same as I would any game on the World Tour and so don’t put extra pressure on myself. GT Having never refereed at an Olympic Games before, I’ve taken a slightly different tack. For me I’ve tried to draw on other referees past experiences at the Olympics to prepare whilst using my own experiences from the World Tour to get in the right mind-set. After all, the teams playing in London are the same ones who compete on the World Tour.
Do you have any superstitions before a game? DS I’m not sure it’s really a superstition, but when I first started refereeing somebody gave me a pink whistle as a joke…I’ve used only pink whistles ever since. GT A couple. I’ve kept the same colour coordinated yellow whistle and yellow lanyard for years. The other is a habit more than a superstition – when I go to the referees stand for a game, I always walk down one particular side of the net!
What is the most important rule in beach volleyball? DS Many men would say the maximum uniform size for the women’s bikinis is their favourite rule (now defunct by the way guys), but for me “that the ball cannot be caught or thrown”. This really defines what the sport of volleyball (beach and indoor) is all about and helps ‘keep the ball flying’.
be very difficult to judge as there are many subtle differences in the techniques that the players use; some illegal, some borderline, and some okay. As a referee we need to make a judgement call on each set. Being consistent with these judgement calls between different players, teams and tournaments can be very difficult.
Who are you most looking forward to watching compete at London 2012 (player/team)? DS The Olympics is like no other tournament for the players. Besides the pressure of being the pinnacle of their careers, it is also a very different playing schedule, with a match for any given team every other day over two weeks, rather than 2,3 or 4 matches per day for one week. Different teams react differently under these conditions, and usually at least one of the so-called lesser teams exceeds expectations. In Beijing this was the Georgia men’s team who made it all the way to the semi-finals. Seeing which team(s) come through in London will be interesting. GT As a Brit, I obviously want the GB teams to do well! As a neutral, I’m keen to see how some of the younger players in the competition fare especially against the more experienced teams. The Olympics has a funny tendency to cause the occasional upset as was witnessed when Rogers/ Dalhausser (USA) were beaten in straights sets during Beijing 2008 by a young team from Latvia.
How will refereeing at London 2012 differ from other international events? DS Longer, more intense, more time between matches (so longer to reflect on any mistakes).
GT I’m anticipating the experience at London 2012 to be very intense; but also a lot of fun. A crowd of up to 15,000 spectators for each match is something that no amount of experience can prepare you for. It’s a longer GT I like the rule that defines the uniqueness event than a normal World Tour but the down of beach volleyball in that teams have to switch time and rest periods between matches will sides every 7 points in the first two sets; every also be bigger. 5 points in the tie-break (if there is one). This has the effect of normalising the outdoor Do you have a top tip for aspiring playing conditions as much as possible for referees? both teams.
What situation in beach volleyball is most difficult to call fairly? DS Ball handling, particularly relating to setting, has been a key emphasis of the FIVB for the past few years, in particular removing DS For us, refereeing is not a full-time vocation. the long contacts and not calling doubles In fact we have to use our holiday leave from based on spin. Being consistent within one our real jobs to referee, leaving precious little game, between games and between referees is time to spend with our families, but we do it a key challenge for all referees. because we’re passionate about the game. GT The playing action where the player uses GT The long absences away from home are a their fingers to perform overhand setting can
What is the least fun?
DS Being a good referee is not just about learning the rules. You also have to learn the game. Learn the skills, learn the tactics. That way you can develop a feel for the game. It is this feel that will help you become a good referee. GT A good referee will follow a clear decision making process, when deciding matters in the game. I would also encourage others to allow faults (especially handling decisions) to come to them rather than go chasing for them during the game. Otherwise you’ll end up having a terrible game and the players will lose faith in you.
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www.volleyballengland.org GB MEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL
COACH VIEW...
MORPH BOWES
GREAT BRITAIN’S MORPH BOWES HAS BEEN BEACH VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH SINCE APRIL 2011. Morph played his club volleyball for Sheffield and Leeds before moving to National Club Champions, London Malory. He represented England on a number of occasions in international competitions and played on the FIVB World Tour. He has played on various Beach circuits and still plays on a semiregular basis at domestic level. His best result in 2008 was winning the Sandbanks leg of the VEBT Tour partnering Matt Grinlaubs.
3Things… HE IS LOOKING BEYOND LONDON Speaking to BBC sport earlier this year Morph Bowes expressed his hopes of using the London Olympics as a stepping stone to success at future Games. “We’re really looking at Rio in 2016 or beyond to 2020. My hope for 2016 or 2020 is that Britain is really starting to emerge. Hopefully we will be producing the right athletes and seeing the results. “It’s a platform. Volleyball is not really known in this country and we don’t often get the chance to see world-class beach volleyball. We need to try and change the perception, because it’s a serious sport. In the longterm we need to look at the Olympics as an opportunity to develop the sport in this country and we can only do that with a solid performance in London.”
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HE HAD TO MAKE A HARD DECISION
The goal for the British Volleyball Federation was to qualify two female teams at this summers Games. As the host nation, Team GB automatically has one spot in both the men’s and women’s competition. A further could have been won if British teams performed well enough before the Games, with the women having the more realistic chance of winning a second berth in London. In the end, this did not happen and GB teams Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin were selected over Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns. “We hoped that the Continental Cup route would give GB another ticket to Horse Guards Parade to go alongside their host-nation berth. We did everything to try and get two teams in to the Games and try and avoid making that decision,” he says.
HE HOPES FOR MORE FUNDING While the women prepared
for the Games with the aid of money from UK Sport, the three men’s teams - John Garcia-Thompson and Steven Grotowski, Jody Gooding and Gregg Weaver, and Robin Miedzybrodzki and Tom Lord had their public funding cut in 2010. “The men have had to be autonomous, find sponsorship and integrate jobs with their training,” explains Bowes. “We absolutely haven’t been given enough funding, but I’m sure if you speak to the Head Coach of any sport in Britain then they will tell you the same thing.” “There will be a lot of pressure at a London Olympics for the Home Nation to provide results, so if you look at it from UK Sport’s point of view then they will provide the funding to the sports best placed to provide that. That means sports like us that haven’t got such a performance history can get funding cuts. Having said that, because of the work we’ve done and because we’ve started to engage more people in the sport, I can honestly see funding improving for 2016 and beyond.”
www.volleyballengland.org
JOHN GARCIA-THOMPSON PROFILE Date of Birth: 08/06/79 Born: Palma De Mallorca Height (cm): 192.00 Weight (kg): 92.00
Club: Palma Son Amar Coach: Alfredo Zamora
STEVE GROTOWSKI PROFILE Date of Birth: 30/05/82 Born: London Lives: Boynton Beach, Florida
Height (cm): 198.00 Weight (kg): 92.00 Coach: Morph Bowes and Mike Morales
BEACH BOYS BEACH VOLLEYBALL’S STEVE GROTOWSKI AND JOHN GARCIATHOMPSON SECURED LATE INCLUSION IN TEAM GB AFTER GETTING THE NOD AHEAD OF TWO OTHER BRITISH PAIRS, GOODING/WEAVER AND LORD MEIDZYBROSKI
Steve Grotowski and John Garcia-Thompson will line up on Horse Guards Parade this month. The pair have struggled through the qualifying campaign without any funding and minimal sponsorship, and only just managed to play the 12 events required to be even considered for a place at the Games and they could not be happier.
the most competitive leagues in the World. After eight years representing Spain in the World Championship and European Tour, John decided to use his dual nationality to represent Great Britain on the World circuit to
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qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games. “For an athlete, there is nothing better than being selected to compete at an Olympic Games,” said Garcia-Thompson.
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At 30 years old, 6’6” Steve Grotowski is known for his aggressive play, and powerful moves. Grotowski had the best and busiest season of his career in 2011. Competing internationally with John Garcia-Thompson they are the top ranked British team. He has also has enjoyed a successful beach career in the U.S, as three time East Coast Champions, and five time Dig the Beach National Champions, with partner Adrian Carambula. “It really is a dream come true, and we have been training hard and making real progress. Being selected to Team GB is a real honour, and it is fantastic for my family to be able to come and watch me compete,” Said Grotowski. Garcia-Thompson, 33, is an experienced professional with a raft of top ten finishes under his belt. John has played in the Spanish Super League for a number of years, regularly testing his mettle in one of photograph©BM Totterdell.
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SHAUNA MULLIN
ZARA DAMPNEY
www.volleyballengland.org GB WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROFILE Age: 26 Height: 178cm Playing partner: Shauna Mullin Position: Defender
Hometown:Dorset Previous clubs: Wessex, Loughborough, Team Bath Number of Years Competing On The World Tour: 6 years
PROFILE Age: 27 Height: 178 Cm Playing Partner: Zara Dampney Position: Blocker
Hometown: Edinburgh Previous Clubs: City Of Edinburgh Number of Years Competing On The World Tour: 4 Years
DAMPNEY AND MULLIN
THE DYNAMIC DUO
Beach volleyball will be among the hottest tickets in town this Summer, up there with the men’s 100m showdown. Dampney and Mullin have competed together internationally since 2009 and are currently ranked 34th in the World and number one in Britain. Dampney, 26, a law graduate and Mullin, 27, who has a degree in marketing, are delighted to have made the Team GB and can’t wait to take part in London 2012. How did you get started playing beach volleyball? SM I played indoor volleyball in Scotland, at both junior and senior levels. I played beach volleyball in the summer to keep skills ticking over! I played one year with Mel Coutts and was really given an insight into the beach game and then the decision was easy to move onto the beach. ZD I began playing indoor volleyball at my school and then transferred over to the beach later on. Beach volleyball gives you so many opportunities to learn about yourself and your partner and how you react under pressure.
What advice would you have for our readers who are looking to give beach volleyball a go? ZD If you would like the challenge of getting yourself and your team out of tricky situations then beach volleyball is for you!
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SM Don’t think about it as indoor on the sand. There is a tactical element to beach volleyball which is very different from indoors and the overall control you have with two people is great! And diving in the sand is way better than on a hard court!
What are the best experiences you’ve had as a beach volleyball player? SM Travelling the World and competing against the best in our sport is something that still excites me, even though we’ve been doing it for 4 years! Being able to measure yourself week in week out against the people at the top just keeps you working hard. ZD Winning with Shauna, we have improved so much as a team over the years and it has taken so much hard work, that when we perform well and get wins against the top teams in the world, it’s amazing!!
How has preparation in the build up to the Games been going?
SM Our prep has been going well! We have been continuing to play FIVB events, we went to Berlin at the beginning of July and we had a mini Olympic experience in Loughborough, which was fantastic. We went to the village for four days on the 17th and had a short training camp in our European training base Tenerife before coming back in for the final prep before the Games. ZD It has been going well. There have been changes to our team dynamic and we are faced with new situations almost everyday so being mentally relaxed and keeping a check on where you are is important so that you can best deal with all situations.
How difficult was it not knowing you’ve qualified until one month before the start of the Olympics? SM It has been challenging, but we always knew that was going to be the case. We had to keep our heads down and continue to focus on our performances. ZD It’s not difficult, we had a stressful period trying to qualify for London and needing results from the World Tour. This was very tough mentally, now we feel more relaxed and pumped up for the challenge of the Games.
www.volleyballengland.org What will it mean to you to represent GB at London 2012, will it differ for you from other International tournaments?
Who are you most excited to have the chance to play against? SM I think most of the teams that are there all have different aspects which make them fun to play against. The Italians are good to play against, as it’s always a feisty match.
SM It will be amazing to play on the most elite stage, it’s just a little reward for the hard work we’ve put in. But it’s also so exciting to be given the opportunity to perform in front of the people who have been supporting us from home for so long.
ZD We know and have played and trained with all of the Olympic teams so it won’t be new to us and there won’t be any surprises. There are teams we match up better against than others and there are definately some teams we would love to play!
ZD It means everything to me and I have been working for it for 6 years at least. It is a different format, we are used to playing 2/3 matches a day but the Olympics is every other day so there will be a lot more free time and obviously a 15000 stadium full of a home crowd!
What are your plans for after the games? ZD Rest SM Chillax. I have a couple of holidays planned, which for the first time in 4 years will be able to relax fully without in the back of my mind thinking oh I shouldn’t.
SM The crowd will be cheering for us, the stadium will be the biggest we’ve played in, but essentially it is just a bigger more glitzy version of the events we go to every week on the World Tour!
What aspirations do you have for the sport in this country?
What will success look like for you and your partner at the Games? ZD Being able to bring our best game to that environment with all the distractions and excitement and to deal with the situation, performing well and enjoying the occasion. SM I want to enjoy the challenge of playing in the biggest sporting stage there is for beach volleyball. A successful games for Zara and I will be performing at the level we have been training at. Lots of communication, cheering, smiling when we are playing our best....oh and some spectacular volleyball!
60 seconds with Zara (ZD) and Shauna (SM)… Where is your favourite place to play beach volleyball? ZD: Mount Manganui, New Zealand SM: Same as Zara, Mount Maunganui Do you have a top training tip? ZD: Discipline, make yourself do things right SM: Suncream What is your favourite pre match meal? ZD: Porridge SM: Peanut butter, raspberry jam on toast Do you have any superstitions in the build up to a game? ZD: Music, I like listening to Eminem to fire me up
ZD That girls enjoy beach volleyball, learn and have experiences that I have had. Its an amazing sport and a lot of strong women play it!
SM: Nope, no superstitions
SM We’re hoping the sport will be recognised and understood after the Games! Understanding all the work that goes in behind the scenes to be able to let us perform the way we do on the sand. Also for more people to be interested in it and take it up as a sport!! It really is fantastic.
SM: Getting to do what we love every day
What is the most fun part of being an athlete? ZD: Every day is different
What is the least fun? ZD: Body soreness after hard training SM: Sand cardio sessions :( Who is the most influential person in your sporting career? ZD: Morph Bowes SM: My mum, her encouragement and support has kept me on track to my goal of qualifying for the Olympics
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What is your most memorable sporting achievement? ZD: 17th World Champs 2012
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What are your sporting ambitions? ZD: Top 10 in the World SM: Yeh it has to be the top 10 in the World
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Which international beach volleyball athlete do you most admire? ZD: Misty May-Treanor
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SM: Larissa (Brazil) her attention to detail and knowledge of the game is very impressive
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BENIND THE SCENES LOCOG
Behind the Scenes
of the Greatest Show on Earth
THE LONDON ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES (LOCOG) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING AND STAGING THE LONDON 2012 GAMES. Organising the games is a huge challenge. With 26 Olympic sports and 20 Paralympic sports, 14,700 athletes, 21,000 media and 10.8 million ticket-holders, it is the equivalent of staging 46 World Championships simultaneously. To achieve this, they require a workforce of around 200,000 people by the time the Games begin. These are made up of 6,000 paid staff, up to 70,000 volunteers and around 100,000 contractor roles.
Within each venue, on every day there are over 30 Functional Areas (departments) and Sport is just one. Across all of these ‘Functional Areas’ at any one time there are in total 1232 staff for volleyball, 859 staff for beach volleyball and 3354 staff for the multisport venue for sitting volleyball. We talk to former Volleyball England staff, Board and Commission members who are now part of LOCOG and helping to stage volleyball this summer...
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Sitting Volleyball Manager and Volleyball Service Manager Gemma is the former Competitions & Events Manager 2005-2010 at Volleyball England and currently is the secretary of Volleyball England Foundation.
YOUR ROLE AT LOCOG Gemma started in May 2010 with just two in the team! She worked across all planning, scoping and venue operations planning for all three volleyball disciplines and venues. As the team has grown it is about the empowering of the workforce and giving them clear projects to lead on. As Sitting Volleyball Manager it is great to have the overall responsibility for the delivery of the sitting volleyball at the Paralympic Games. Equally important to this is my dual role as Volleyball Services Manager, on Olympic Games preparation and delivery. Primary areas of work are workforce, client services including athletes, officials, World Organisation Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Whilst the beach team has grown I have maintained a supporting arm but my primary focus for beach is on the sand legacy project linking in with Volleyball England and their work with Sport England. In addition across all three disciplines I oversee the distribution of equipment legacy to the NGB’s.
DURING THE GAMES Managing a happy and hard working workforce and issue resolution. Being part
of a team who are together going to deliver three of the biggest events in the biggest sporting event in the world! With what we plan to deliver we are going to take the sitting volleyball competition to a new level in terms of provision for all clients from a facilities and personable perspective.
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT Learning that Great Birtian will have full representation in volleyball to hopefully ensure a performance legacy to go along with everything else.
“An Olympic and Paralympic Games is pulled together by so many different teams, you are an important cog in the works, so do your job and trust in others to do theirs! We have done all the prep, now it’s time to pull it together, empower the workforce and deliver! This is an opportunity of a lifetime, make sure you enjoy it!”
Stewart Dunne
Deputy Volleyball Manager & Sitting Volleyball Services Manager Stewart is the former President and Vice President of Volleyball England. He has been a Referee Commission member since 1996 and is currently Referee Commissioner for Marketing and Elite Development. Stewart is Chairman of the NVL Appointments Panel.
photograph©BM Totterdell.
Bob Clarke was appointed in August 2009 to represent all forms of Volleyball within LOCOG. He has spent a large amount of time building his teams of workforce for each discipline of volleyball. Since the delivery of both Test Events last summer the teams are becoming gradually ‘venueised’ culminating in their eventual move to the competition venues in July.
Gemma Nunnerley
www.volleyballengland.org Matt Rogers Ph
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Technical Operations Manager for Volleyball and Sitting Volleyball
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Matt was UK Schools Competitions Officer and then Sitting Volleyball Development Manager at Volleyball England.
YOUR ROLE AT LOCOG
YOUR ROLE AT LOCOG
Beach Volleyball Services Manager Brian is former player, coach, International Referee, Regional Representative and Technical Director. He is currently Volleyball England Vice President, with special responsibility for staffing and head office.
Responsible for the delivery of the volleyball competitions at Earls Court, ensuring the competition is organised and conducted in accordance with International Federation (IF) rules and regulations, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter. Represent the requirements of volleyball within the volleyball working group and with stakeholders as required to ensure effective event delivery.
YOUR ROLE AT LOCOG
DURING THE GAMES
I’ll hand over more responsibility to Group Leaders as they come on board during June and July and focus on the strategic role at Games Time, with special responsibility for coordinating competition matters and venue infrastructure liaison.
I will be responsible for the day to day competition and dealing with the FIVB leads at Earls Court. I will be eagerly anticipating the safe completion of day one on July 28th and the first ever GB Olympic match win!
“The team is very excited but exudes calm professionalism, we are excited and privileged to be involved in what is for volleyball the premier competition. The team is ready and can’t wait to move onto venue in July.”
photograph©BM Totterdell.
Brian Stalker
Beach Volleyball Services Manager, covering all areas of competition management, including equipment, venue, workforce, paid staff recruitment and engagement. Some of these tasks were handed over to Group Leaders, Tech Ops Manager and Referee Manager when they started work in mid 2011 and through-out 2012.
DURING THE GAMES
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT Coping with the major London Riots situation that affected the Beach Volleyball Test Event and necessitated accelerating the competition schedule on our first day and successfully completing the days programme. It was a Magnificent effort from all concerned.
“Getting started and helping the athletes give their very best. Unbelievable excitement – can’t wait!”
To deliver everything that the Athletes and Officials experience when training, warming up and competing to the expected standard of LOCOG. Since starting I have lead on the communication and planning to deliver the different technical aspects of our courts and equipment, worked to procure, test, brand and distribute the sport equipment. Led on the training of all of the court staff including the Young Games Maker Groups who will be doing the ball retrieving and floor mopping as well as linked with all the other functional areas that work in and around the court including; Sport Presentation, Event Services, Results Timing and Scoring, AntiDoping, Medical and Broadcast to name a few!
“I’m excited to see the first serve being completed, and the final medal being awarded. For the Paralympic Games it is obviously the same, but in addition I am excited to see the impact of the biggest ever Paralympics in history, in which sitting volleyball is one of the surprises of the Games.”
Since April 2012 other key experienced and skilled individuals have come on board full time as volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball group leaders who are looking forward to delivering the volleyball element of the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’. We wish them all Good luck!
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VOLLEYBALL OLYMPIANS Briefly describe your experience of the Olympic village? Mo: In the Village - you name it - it is provided for all of the athletes for free! From every possible food you can think of to athlete parties and having our own chill out apartment. We were walking around the village and saw so many famous faces from the ‘World of Sport’ - I even had a chat and a cuppa with Muhammad Ali in the Food Hall one day!
OLYMPIANS MO GLOVER AND AUDREY COOPER TALK ABOUT ATLANTA 1996 In 1996, Amanda ‘Mo’ Glover and Audrey Cooper teamed up to represent Great Britain at the first ever Olympic beach volleyball event. The pair reminisce about their top 10 finish at the Atlanta Games and offer some words of wisdom for volleyball’s future Olympians...
What are your fondest memories of competing at Atlanta 96’? Mo: The one that stands out for me was meeting our family and friends for the first time at the Games. Our Team Management (Marzena Bogdanowicz, Sarah Hopkins and Angela Cowell) had liaised with our families on all their travel plans, tickets and accommodation. They had travelled the qualification journey with us - so to see them all with their GB Flags waving and Team Speedo Kit singing (GO GO Aud and Mo!) at our 1st match was a memory of Atlanta 1996 I will never forget! Audrey: Victory over the Netherlands, coming back from 8-11 behind and winning to take us into the top 10.
What was your favourite item in the Olympics kitbag? Mo: All of it! Anyone who has received it will know what I mean. Audrey: The adidas casual shorts - so comfy (I still have them).
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What was the best part about competing at an Olympic Games? Mo: Bringing my dream alive! Audrey: It was an honour to represent GB. To take a victory with all our families, and support staff who helped get us there, watching is a memory I will cherish forever.
What’s the toughest part about being an athlete at the Olympics? Mo: We had worked for four years to represent the Nation, and so for me it was to remain injury free, so I could compete! Audrey: Focussing on you and your sport there are so many potential distractions.
How different is competing at an Olympic Games compared to other international tournaments? Mo: We had a qualifying period to gain the right to compete at the Olympic Games that lasts over a number of months. But for all other International events you qualify in a very short time period for the main event. So we were physically, tactically and mentally tested to the maximum of our individual and team ability in order to get that opportunity to compete at an Olympic Games. Audrey: Totally different. The scale of everything is multiplied – the dining hall seats thousands. There are many queues and world stars were walking about all the time. It’s a multi sport event with representation from nearly every country in the world. The attention and demands of the media increase. However on the court, playing is the same - if you can manage all these other factors!
Audrey: There is nothing else like it - the village is a very unique environment. In Atlanta, we shared with swimmers in our apartment block which was very different from anything we had done before in a competition environment. There really is a Team GB environment and you become one big team, feeding off other GB performances and successes. There are so many things that you haven’t seen before, free food, drinks, souvenirs everywhere and you just have to remember – why you are there - to compete at your best. Once you have finished competing, you can enjoy all of these things.
Looking back how would you have approached it differently or would you do it exactly the same? Mo: I would have definitely done it differently. Aud and I had a limited training schedule leading in to Atlanta due to me being ill in the five months leading up to the Games. It was touch and go to whether I would compete and it was only four weeks before the Games that I was given the ‘green light’ to compete by the British Medical Centre Staff at Northwick Park Hospital. Audrey: In terms of what we achieved and what was possible then, I would do it all the same, with the same people and the same support. If we did it again now it would be essential to be full time athletes – getting more competition, all year round.
How has the sport changed since then? Mo: The Sport has changed a lot including; a smaller court, rally point, best of 3 sets, limited timeouts and the serve can now touch the net. More countries now compete at an increased amount of competitions World/ European/National, as it has become a global professional sport with an audience of millions watching the sport around the World! Audrey: Become more professional in terms of the athletes being full time, funding for the athletes, having full time coaches, physio, strength & conditioning coaches. In terms of the actual game, the rally point has been introduced, as well as the court being smaller (and the costumes).
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So how well do Mo and AUDREY know the Olympics? We put the Olympians to the test… In which year were women first allowed to compete in the modern Olympic Games? Mo: In the 1900 Olympics in Paris - there were 19 women out of 1,225 athletes - girl Power!
It was 1900 the second modern Olympic Games!
Audrey: 1912
In what year did Beach Volleyball first make its debut at the Olympic Games? Mo: Beach volleyball had its Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games. It was a demonstration Sport in 1992 Barcelona Games. Audrey: 1996 – full medal, 1992 – demonstration
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How many times has beach volleyball been played at an Olympic Games? Mo: Out of the 31 Olympic Games to date Beach Volleyball has been played at 4 as a full medal sport (Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing)
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Audrey: 5 including demonstration
Which Olympic Games has held the biggest stadium capacity for beach volleyball? Mo: Atlanta Games at Clayton County International Park Atlanta Beach with 12,600 Seats.
It was in fact Atlanta – but Horse Guards Parade is set to take this record with 15,000.
Audrey: Sydney
During your career where was your favourite place to play beach volleyball in the world? Mo: In the UK Weymouth Beach - it’s my home town venue and it has always been very special to me! On the world stage Rio in Brazil - It was our first event back in 1993 when two very white British athletes decided to give beach volleyball a go. We also confirmed our final finishing place for the 1996 Olympic qualification in the Autumn of 1995. The fans were crazy and queued from 5am just to get into the Stadium. It was a fantastic atmosphere to compete in and the coconuts are the best in the world! Audrey: Santos, Brazil - it was our first tournament Mo and I ever went to and the atmosphere was electric
Who is your all time favourite beach volleyball player and why? Mo: To many to choose from but if I had to… Shelda Kelly Bruno Bede (Brazil Women) and Emanuel Fernando Sheffer Rego (Brazil Men).
Both are all round competitive athletes and fantastic ambassadors for the sport but above all very nice people! I would also mention Natalie Cook (Australia Women) who won Bronze in 1996 and Gold in 2000 and will compete at her fifth Olympic Games in 2012. This is a 1st for any Aussie Olympian! Hopefully we will see her carry the Aussie flag. Audrey: Karolyn Kirby (USA Women) – power, finesse & composure. Karch Kiraly (USA Men) – He is Mr Beach, relentless in pursuit of success.
Finally, what advice would you give to the athletes going into the Games? Mo: Well… This is your personal journey, trust your team, your processes, back yourself and leave everything on the court. YOU create your own opportunities and… enjoy it! Audrey: Be clear on your goals - prepare, prepare, prepare - know your opposition be patient - be confident - enjoy playing on the world’s biggest stage!
In which year was the beach volleyball uniform of a swimsuit introduced by the FIVB? Mo: 1999
It was a little bit later on, in 1999. But early in 2012 the FIVB announced it will allow shorts (3cm above the knee) and sleeved tops at the London 2012 Olympics. Audrey: 1995
Which two countries have dominated Olympic beach volleyball since the beginning? Mo: In total for Men/Women - Brazil 3 gold, 5 Silver, 1Bronze and USA 5 Gold,1 Silver,1 Bronze Audrey: USA & Brazil
Which women’s beach volleyball international pairing won back-to-back gold medals in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 and is also looking to complete the hatrick at London 2012? Mo: Kerri Walsh and Misty May Treanor Audrey: Walsh & May Treanor
THE VERDICT: The winner is… MO photograph©BM Totterdell.
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Support Great Britain Volleyball this Summer!
As our GB men and women prepare for this Summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is more important than ever to show your support to the team and help promote volleyball at every opportunity!
Here are just a few fun ways to support Great Britain and help get more people playing! Watch the GB team in action on TV Challenge your work colleagues to a game of volleyball Get involved with our Go Spike campaign, visit www.gospike.net Hold an Olympic themed volleyball party or club picnic Update your clubs notice board before the Games start
Follow us on twitter and facebook
Promote your local competitions and tournaments in the local press Start a club facebook page and twitter account and keep in touch with your members and find new ones! Display your “Go GB volleyball!” poster at home, work or take it with you to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
www.volleyballengland.org
www.Britishvolleyball.org