The FIVB’s newly certified individuals include Gabriel White, Jamata Castro, John Nekaifes, J.R. Gechig, Kristy Springer, Laurie Peterka, Linda Anastacio, Nick Gross, Ron Olopai, and Samantha Castro.
“I’m satisfied to learn these new skills,” said Olopai, a teacher at San Antonio Elementary School. His highlights of the week included the numerous drills conducted by world renowned volleyball coach Tomas Santamaria Jr.
This has been Santamaria’s second time to visit the island since 2008. He is one of the FIVB’s 150 international instructors, hailing from the Philippines and currently stationed in Australia.
“There isn’t much difference between those that I lecture here and those from other countries. The only difference is the attitude of the participants,” said Santamaria, who returned to Australia last Saturday.
The course originally had 22 applicants but only certified 10, due to conflicting schedules with the other individuals who signed up.
“It’s unfortunate that the other applicants didn’t finish the course, but we look forward to FIVB working with us in the future. We are happy with Tomas,” noted NMIVA president Laurie Peterka.
“My expectations are that those who participated receive the knowledge that the instructor passed on to. We are under Santamaria’s advisement, and the board will look into the next VCP course that we can receive,” said White, who is NMIVA’s VCP coordinator.
The course was primarily scheduled for September, but was postponed to this month due to the unavailability of FIVB’s instructors.
In duration of the course, participants focused on the rules and history of the sport, treating volleyball-related injuries, and complex training, as directed by Santamaria.
The FIVB also provided free equipment to schools that had teachers participate in the course. The schools receiving these materials include MHS, San Antonio Elementary School, and Tanapag Elementary School.
