INUVIK
The Inuvik recreational volleyball league wrapped up another successful season at the beginning of the month with a well-attended tournament.
Children First board members Fraser Pearce, left, Melinda Gillis and Jean-Francois Bisaillon celebrate the group being named the volunteer of the year May 10. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo
|
A team led by Jimmy Kalinek placed first at the relaxed but competitive end-of-season event at East Three Secondary School.
Charlton Wolki's team came in second, with Haji Ferland's team places third and Naokah Mistaken-Chief's team finished in fourth.
Organizer Jeff Amos said the league is very popular in town. As a sport, volleyball has simplicity as a benefit, as well as being inexpensive.
"It has always been a popular activity," he said. "It has been since I can remember from my junior high school years in the early (1970s).
"It's an easy, inexpensive sport.
"Volleyball always has a big following, especially in the early fall. Prior to moving into the new school, in previous years we could draw up to 30 players on a good night."
That makes volleyball one of the most popular indoor sports locally, along with basketball and indoor soccer.
The start of the season, as the long days of midnight sun wind down in the fall, is always widely anticipated, Amos said.
"We normally start up up as soon as school is well underway, mid-September, and go until the middle to end of May.
"The Inuvik Volleyball Club has been playing recreational volleyball for several years," Amos said.
"We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The league is open to all adults, both male and female. Some younger participants do come out when the season starts to wind down. We usually get enough players out for three teams and we just play against each other. We try to have at least two fun tournaments, one at the beginning of the season and try to end the season with one."
He said the skill level varies from very competitive to "just learning to play" enthusiasts.
Other Beaufort Delta communities such as Aklavik and Fort McPherson usually host tournaments, and some of the Inuvik league players do attend for "friendly competition."
"So far, we've had players come in to join us for an evening of activity from outlying communities such as Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik and Fort McPherson. We now have a larger gym, which can allow us to set up two courts and play more games."
It's so popular that Amos is hoping to experiment with an outdoor league.
"This year, if there is enough interest, we will attempt outdoor volleyball, but that is still in the planning stages."
