The seven-day camp is arguably the highlight of the summer for many of our young athletes. Thus, it came as no surprise when so many aspiring athletes gathered from Canada, the USA and even a few from far away Estonia; in total, 72 participants ages 8-17, including 23 newcomers!
As in past years, our exceptional team of instructors had prepared a comprehensive 7-day program to ensure that all camp participants acquired the necessary technical volleyball skills in order to confidently try out for their school team or a club team if they should choose to do so.
While the daily program was a collaborative effort, it was directed by Märt Matsoo and Kristina Lillakas. The instructors’ team consisted of the following: Stefanie Hancock-Pahapill, Teija Hogg, Vivi Holmberg, Cassie Keevallik, Sydney Keevallik, Kristina Lillakas, Juuli Lindau, Alison McConnell, Marielle Voksepp-DiBiase, Eerik Aljas, Taimo Ilves, Peter Kelly, Juhan Lindau, Allan Luiker, Märt Matsoo, Priit Nikker, Drew Pahapill, Derek Pallandi, Jak Paterson, Tiit Romet, Paul Sehr, Hillar Sõrra, Kristjan Wallner and Chris Wilding.
The court volleyball training sessions took place on our grass courts and alternatively, beach volleyball sessions took place on our beach courts.
Especially hot weather which we experienced made it necessary for many juice and water breaks on the courts, as well as numerous dips in the pool. Additionally, our athletes enjoyed water-balloon battles, the “Slip-Slide” and a morning trip to Lake Simcoe as a form of relaxation in midweek.
Upon the children’s return from Lake Simcoe, we had prepared a special surprise for them. Four of Canada’s top beach volleyball players arrived at camp to present top-level beach volleyball matches for the children’s entertainment. Following these “Showtime” matches, all four, Ruby Sõrra, Mikayla Law-Heese, Liam Espedido and Cam Chadwick, remained to join each of our training groups individually to share pointers and play few games with them before returning back to Toronto. We’re fortunate that these exceptional athletes afforded us the time in their busy schedules to come and join us.
The consistently sunny weather allowed us to complete our weeklong program without interruption, leading to our traditional “Tournament Day” on Friday, prior to Saturday’s camp closing.
The instructors spent the evening prior to the tournament ascertaining whom to place on which team, in order to ensure that the teams would be fair and equal.
The grass-court tournament in the morning provided highly-competitive games in all age groups.
Our afternoon tournament on the beach sand consisted of 3 separate divisions, depending on age and caliber:
“King/Queen of the Beach”, “Duke/Duchess of the Beach”, and “Prince/Princess of the Beach”. Using a complex scoring system for each division allowed us to determine who were, in fact, the top individual players in each competition.
Tournaments concluded, it was time for the last dinner followed by our awards ceremonies. Then, a quick change of clothes and time for the dance. As always, our young athletes found the extra energy required to dance well into the night!
We look forward to seeing all your smiling faces again next summer!
Individual awards
(MVP) Girls: Laine Pallop; Boys: Viggo Vanaselja.
(Most Improved) Girls: Ramona Kittask; Boys: Tanner Erik Puust.
(Rookie of the Year) Roland Franzoi.
“Tournament of Champions” results:
Grasscourt tournament – Groups 5 and 6 winners: Viggo Vanaselja, Rael Mortson, Mikk Pajo, Mattias Dumbrille, Kaili Pajo, Andrea Sehr.
Groups 3 and 4 winners: Lukas Zifkin, Kaius Fernandes, Annika Hill, Hillevi Leppik, Vera Anna Remerowski.
Groups 1 and 2 winners: Annika Fernandes, Aila Fernandes, Feliks Jaako, Henno Revesz, Helve Hess.
Beach tournament – (King of the Beach): Matthew Aljas; (Queen of the Beach): Charlotte Jones; (Duke of the Beach): Roland Franzoi; (Duchess of the Beach) Sarina Hill; (Prince of the Beach) Oskar Zifkin; (Princess of the Beach) Aila Fernandes.
Jõekääru Kalev Volleyball Camp Board extend our thanks to the Jõekääru Childrens’ Camp Society, the Children’s Camp directors Lief Kolga and Joonas Roose and counsellors, our exceptional kitchen personnel and head chef Jaan Kittask, our lifeguards and nurses, Vivi Holmberg and Kati Smith.
Similarly, our sincere thank you and appreciation to our supporters, Northern Birch Credit Union and The Estonian Foundation of Canada for your generous contributions.
