As in previous years, the camp’s seven-day volleyball program aims to inspire our participants while developing and refining the essential volleyball skills they will require to confidently try out with their respective school or club teams in the upcoming autumn season.
A combination of fun & creative training sessions, led by our experienced coaches, ensured that these goals set for each of the young participants were achieved.
This summer, the volleyball camp was directed by Kristina Lillakas and Thomas Olvet; the coaching staff consisted of 20 trainers: Cassie Keevallik, Sydney Keevallik, Kristina Lillakas, Juulia Lindau, Mia Maria Matsoo, Marielle Voksepp-DiBiase, Eerik Aljas, Owen Cooke, Taimo Ilves, Juhan Lindau, Allan Luiker, Märt Matsoo, Priit Nikker, Thomas Olvet, Drew Pahapill, Jak Paterson, Tiit Romet, Hillar Sõrra, Martin Toomes, and Oliver Toomes.
As has become our camp tradition, some special guests, our friends from Canada's National Beach Volleyball team, arrived Wednesday afternoon to inspire our campers with a ‘Show-match', highlighting high-level beach volleyball action. Lots of oohs, aahs & cheering ensued during our National Team's demonstration! Following the conclusion, our visiting guests provided their autographs, chatted & joined our young athletes for lively rounds of “King of the Court” on all 4 beach courts. A huge thank you to Jacob VanZeel, Cam McGregor, Robert Kemp & Liam Espedido for their visit!
Thursday’s training sessions effectively served as a dress rehearsal for Friday’s Tournament Day. While previous days' teaching sessions had emphasized developing individual playing skills, Thursday was dedicated to applying those skills in actual team-game situations. Through this process, the camp has successfully achieved its goal every year and once again, Tournament Day was a rousing success. Our aspiring young athletes performed admirably which in turn, provided our trainers a great feeling of satisfaction!
There's a saying that applies at sports camps: “They come to camp with smiles on their faces; our mission as coaches/trainers is to ensure that they have the same smiles on their faces when they leave for home. Everything else becomes a bonus.”
Mission accomplished!
Award Winners:
(MVP) Female: Amanda Lascarro Male: Sander Matsoo
(Most Improved) Female: Viive Hess Male: Andy Hancock
(Rookie of the Year) Lukas Lascarro
“Tournament of Champions” results:
Grass Tourney:
Group 3 & 4 winning team: Sander Matsoo, Tuuli Kaegi, Kaia Pajo, Timo Puust, Damian Macatrao, Hillevi Leppik
Group 2 winning team: Aivi Teene, Silvi DiBiase, Kaius Fernandes
Group 1 winning team: Lukas Lascarro, Raili Revesz, James Bradley, Helve Hess
Beach Tourney:
(Queen & King of the Beach): Petra Kittask; Damian Macatrao
(Duchess & Duke of the Beach) Helena Kolga; Oskar Zifkin
(Princess & Prince of the Beach) Raili Revesz; Henno Revesz
The Jõekääru Kalev Volleyball Camp Board wishes to thank the Jõekääru Summer Camp Society, Camp Director Leif Kolga, and the camp counsellors.
Additionally, a huge thank you to our exceptional kitchen staff—led by Liisa Novek—as well as our lifeguards and camp nurse Emma Nipernado.
Finally, we extend sincere thanks to our supporters—Northern Birch Credit Union, the Estonian Foundation of Canada, and “Overkill”—for their generous donations.
Photos: Peeter Põldre
