PE teachers encouraged to sign up for clinic

Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association is encouraging the islands’ physical education teachers to sign up for the FIVB Coaches Course – Level 1 (How to Coach) set next month.

“We consider this an opportunity for phys-ed teachers and community programs developers to take advantage of a program right here in Saipan that would otherwise cost a couple of thousand dollars since you would have to find a program off-island and fly a person to that clinic or conference. We hope that schools and community groups will recognize the value of sponsoring 1-2 individuals for a nominal fee,” said NMIVA board member Russ Quinn.

NMIVA president Laurie Peterka also added that their organization is also encouraging schools to help subsidize teachers.

Aside from the P.E. teachers and community program developers, NMIVA said the clinic is also open to volleyball players who have basic skills and knowledge of the game.

The program will only be accepting a maximum of 30 participants. Those interested are responsible for completing an application form and depositing fees—$150 for non-NMIVA members or $130 for NMIVA members—with NMIVA by July 16.

The course fees include: coaching workbook, videos and handouts, equipment for training, T-shirts, facilities, and a graduation banquet at Pacific Islands Club.

The FIVB Coaches Course – Level 1 (How to Coach) program is for under-privileged countries and is also dubbed the Volleyball Cooperation Programme. It is part of Volleyball World Vision 2012.

FIVB is sending Tomas Santamaria from Australia to serve as the instructor of the clinic. Graduates of this program will earn an FIVB Level 1 Coaching Certificate —an invaluable asset towards the development of volleyball for both the CNMI as a whole and for the individuals who complete the course.

Applications for the August FIVB Coaches Clinic are now available for pick up at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. Please see Joe Mettao between 8am to 4pm, Monday-Friday all this week.

Applications will be collected at the Ada Gym conference room on Wednesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 16.

If you have any questions or are looking for additional information, contact Peterka at laurie.peterka@saipan.com or Quinn at saipanruss@yahoo.com.

NMIVA is the CNMI’s umbrella volleyball association covering all aspects of indoor and outdoor games and players. NMIVA is a bona fide current member of FIVB and NMASA.

All of the organization’s fundraisers put money into the development of volleyball in the CNMI. NMIVA is encouraging volleyball enthusiasts to become a member today for a mere $20 a year. Members get regular email updates and discounts on all NMIVA-sanctioned volleyball events throughout the year.