A Sport in Action volleyball team has had great success in coming third in the East Africa Cup.
The under 16 team of 5 girls and 4 boys travelled for three days to get to Tanzania where the tournament was held.
The team, who had only three weeks to prepare for the cup, gained their place despite changes to their usual playing habits.
Coach Tila explained that the team usually play outside, however adapting to playing indoors was no challenge for them since their basic skills are sound.
Markina, a team member for two years, is proud of what they achieved:
“When we got there I was nervous but also very excited, it was my first time at a tournament. I love playing with the team, it helps you to understand team work.”
The three day journey may have been long but Markina said that being with her team made it fun.
The team usually trains twice a week, offering training to both boys and girls in volleyball.
Markina said her favourite part of the experience was travelling and playing with her team.
The benefits of team work to both their success and the happiness of the team are evident.
The IDEALS students have been learning that there is not much for young people to do when they are not in school and it can be very easy for them to get in to trouble or bad situations. Being part of a sports team and active within their communities means the young people have something to keep them busy.
Sport is not only a way to keep fit and have an active lifestyle but learning to work as a team and having positive hobbies can really positively affect the lives of young people.
The volleyball team certainly have used such involvement in sport to their advantage- not only having a fun hobby, but showing their sporting prowess in tournaments.
The team also takes part in the Youth Challenge games, held once a month at the Olympic Youth Development Centre.
Coach Tila’s hope is that over the coming weeks they can start to develop a programme for games for children with disabilities.
If that team train as well and work as hard as the current team, volleyball tournaments all over Africa better watch out for the Sport in Action volleyball teams!
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