Speid returns as JAVA head

After being returned unopposed to the presidency of the Jamaica Volleyball Association (JAVA), for a second two-year term, Rudolph Speid is pointing an upturn in competitive success as a point of reference for his steward-ship of the sport in Jamaica.

Speid noted that the local volleyball programme has improved under his leadership with the nation now making a habit of winning international competitions.

"We had a great year in volleyball as we entered five tournaments and won three of them. This is the first time Jamaica was winning any tournament and now we have won three," said Speid following the annual general meeting last Saturday at the Jamaica Olympic Association offices.

"We were able to accomplish these feats because of sponsor-ship that totalled $30 million, although we ended with a deficit of $1.3 million," he disclosed.

"We won two beach tourna-ments as well as an Under-19 male tournament," added Speid, who is a former Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) president.

BEST LIBERO

At the Under-19 Caribbean qualifiers held in Suriname last month, Jamaica's 15 year-old Clifton Clarke was also awarded the best libero prize.

"He (Clifton Clarke), who is a Camperdown High school student, was the youngest person to have won the Libero Award for the best defender on the court. That is a great achievement for young Clarke," Speid said.

Now, Speid is looking towards next year where Jamaica will be engaged in several tournaments.

"We are invited to a number of tournaments and have also qualified for a few in beach and world championship. However, the biggest challenge is finding the money. We will be leaning on the Government, as well as hosting fundraising events," he explained.

At present, JAVA has a three-member executive that was returned unopposed, including Speid, Jackie Cowan as general secretary; and Audley Weir

as treasurer. The constitution has changed, however, allowing the inclusion of two vice-presidents and four Confederations chairmen. Those position will be done by way of voting at a date to be announced.

- M.S.