Thank You Langley!
LANGLEY, Canada - The Men’s U23 Pan American Cup concluded with
an amazing match between two countries with a great volleyball
tradition.
Brazil and Argentina played a South American classic battle with
the support of fans from both countries who reside in the
British Columbia area.
Also the people from Canada had the chance to cheer up and
follow the Trinity Western University Club that represented the
maple leaf nation that played and amazing third place match
against a Dominican team that returned to the Caribbean with the
bronze medal.
Spectators from Argentina and Brazil, also lived a traditional
battle between the “Hinchas” and “Torcedores” (terms in Spanish
and Portuguese in reference to fans).
The Langley Events Centre stands were painted in green and
yellow on one side and white and sky blue on another, but also
the red and white as well as the Caribbean touch were part of a
mosaic, a true Pan American mosaic.
This was a great effort made by the volunteers, host committee
and the regional association of British Columbia Volleyball,
Trinity Western University Staff, Langley Events Centre and
Volleyball Canada, as well as all the people who attended to
this competition.
No matter their age of experience, there were people who had to
drive for many hours or kilometers sharing their time and love
for the sport of volleyball as staff members or VIS assistants,
for example.
The response at the practical clinics was huge, and even
international referees from far away countries like Argentina,
had the chance to share and communicate their knowledge with
very young kids who for the first time had a ball in their hands
to contribute as retrievers or some others who learned how
important is the work of a mopper in a match.
Also the local referees did a fundamental job in the success of
this tournament. Many of them referees were women who combined
youth, experience and a great commitment, a living proof of
genre equity constantly promoted by the FIVB and its
confederations as a key and fundamental factor of integration
and development.
During the awards ceremony, Jack Froese, the Mayor of the
Township of Langley, was present to present the Cup to the Pan
American Champion in this category.
Mayor Froese confirmed the support of the city to host and
promote volleyball competitions, such as the 2013 Senior Men’s
Continental Championship.
“I think it will be a pretty fantastic event. We are going to
fill up this stadium with fans. In Langley and around this area
there are a lot of people who will be happy to see their home
country play,” he said after the official announcement of the
Men’s Continental Championship scheduled for next year.
“A lot of people from all over the world live here, and I think
this place is will be excited. The township of Langley is proud
to host it and we will roll out the red carpet for this event,”
he added.
The Langley Events Centre was inaugurated only four years ago
but has contributed to the transformation and positive impact of
the residents of this area in Canada.
“It is brand new and it is always busy, partnered with a lot of
community groups, a gymnastics club, hockey and lacrosse teams.
People use it every day,” he also remarked. “This facility has
really helped Langley. People are always comfortable to come
here, and we hold a lot of great events, just like the Norceca
events.”
The Township of Langley is close to Vancouver a city that two
years ago hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Some exhibition
events were held in Langley as an effort to promote high
performance and massive sports.
“When Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2010, this
facility was practically new and we had an International hockey
game, just prior to the Olympics,” the Mayor recalled.
“And recently during the Summer Olympics, with the sporting
community watching the games in England, more and more of the
young people wanted to get involved in sports and having a
facility like this it allows them to do it and also to promote
the health of the community as a focal point.”
Appreciation from both finalist countries was a constant
reference as their final message to the fans and the people of
the Township of Langley. Visitors and participants expect this
was just the beginning of something that could be an
extraordinary experience in years to come; to make possible that
this area of Beautiful British Columbia can become a proud and
emblematic volleyball town. |