Volleyball tournament ahead of Games
Volleyball in Samoa is getting ready for the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games with a test event to ensure there are no glitches come Games time.
The Volleyball Samoa Federation is holding its Independence Day Tournament in Gym 2, Faleata Sports Complex, while final touches are being put on the venue that will be used during the Games. Indoor volleyball will be played in NUS Gym from 11-20 July.
Australian Dean Turner, Technical Delegate for Volleyball, arrived in Samoa to assist the federation by observing the tournament and helping them get ready for the Games. Test events are being held for numerous sports ahead of the Games.
"I am here to educate and assist Samoa for their preparations for the Games. Generally my role is to bring people up to date with current practices and understanding of different parts to apply to the game."
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The six-day test event for volleyball began on Friday, and more than 10 teams for both females and males will be competing.
"I have seen some of the games today and the standard is higher than I expected. I was watching the referee and he was comfortable. I like how he presents," Dean said.
He is looking forward to the Pacific Games as it will be a new experience for him.
"It is an interesting learning curve for me just being here in the Pacific Games. I did the Oceania Games 2015; also the Oceania Qualifier World Championships in New Zealand a while ago.
"It is always fun to see new things and how people interpret volleyball, it will be an interesting time in Samoa."
He has vast experience as a referee. "I have seen that every country around the world has their own way that they do things. I am at the point where I go into a country and I do not expect anything, but more often you just get surprised."
Dean has also highlighted the importance of teamwork that has been made with the Volleyball Samoa Federation.
"We have been talking with the team in Samoa for the past couple of weeks about things that we need to organise, like athlete entries. You can’t have done more to be prepared."
