Image above: Kamloops Hillside Stadium (Photo Credit: Sound Solutions Canada)
The Community
Members of KVA (Photo Credit: KVA Volleyball Association) https://www.kvapack.ca/home
The Interior Volleyball Tour, representing Kamloops community’s vibrant volleyball scene, welcomes players from across the country. With the invaluable assistance of the Kamloops Volleyball Association (KVA), who will generously volunteer their time. I aim to create an inclusive and enriching experience for all participants.
As part of the collaboration with KVA, I proudly support their mission of promoting volleyball in Kamloops through their free community volleyball camps. By representing them on the tour, it will help amplify their efforts to spread awareness about the sport and provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage in volleyball.
At the heart of KVA’s mission is inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, has the chance to participate and benefit from sports. Whether it’s for mental health, physical activity, or simply the joy of playing, KVA believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and enjoy volleyball.
Together with KVA, this tour strives to embody the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, making the Interior Volleyball Tour a welcoming and empowering experience for all volleyball enthusiasts.
The Opportunity
Kamloops Volleyball Associations Logo (Photo Credit: KVA Volleyball Association)
The opportunity presented by this endeavor lies in fostering greater awareness of the vibrant volleyball community in Kamloops. By hosting activities such as volleyball tournaments and engaging local KVA members, I aim to not only strengthen the existing Kamloops community but also cultivate new connections among volleyball players from diverse backgrounds.
Through these initiatives, it’s an opportunity to create a smaller, yet tightly knit community within Kamloops, where volleyball enthusiasts can come together, interact, and form lasting relationships. Additionally, hosting volleyball tournaments serves as a catalyst for community pride and unity, as locals rally together to support their teams and showcase the spirit of their town or city to visitors.
By fostering social bonds and promoting a positive image of Kamloops as a welcoming and inclusive destination for volleyball players, it will contribute to the overall well-being and reputation of our community. This opportunity not only enhances the vibrancy of our local volleyball scene but also strengthens the fabric of our social connections, making Kamloops a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
The Experience
Barbeque outside (Photo Credit: Halfpoint)
The activity will consist of 8 members from various volleyball teams and 4 volunteers, including myself. This tour will start at 12pm sharp and go until 3pm. Scheduled for August, the event aligns with the availability of the KVA association to offer their support. Additionally, the favorable weather during this month allows for outdoor activities, including setting up a volleyball court on the Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) turf. Furthermore, the entirety of the event will take place at the TCC, the BBQ and playing Volleyball. This whole experience is to show players from other country’s what volleyball is like in Kamloops and create a smaller, yet tightly knit community.
The Interior Volleyball Tour will commence with a warm welcome at the TCC, followed by an inside tour of the facilities. Subsequently, we will transition outdoors to meet with the KVA volunteers, who will have volleyball nets ready for a friendly game. After an hour of play, a barbecue will be held on the field, courtesy of supplies provided by the KVA. The BBQ will serve as time for mingling and sharing personal experiences from playing volleyball. This will be a free event, KVA will pay for it all, as I help them with camps in return for them helping me with this tour.
The Benefits
Beach Volleyball players (Photo Credit: Westend61)
Travelers visiting our town who share a passion for volleyball find a profound sense of belonging and connection within our volleyball communities. Engaging in small tourism experiences centered around volleyball fosters a shared identity among enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, volleyball inherently promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and an active lifestyle, adding to the holistic benefits of participating in such experiences.
The primary objective is to support the Kamloops volleyball association, demonstrating unwavering community support. In turn, they collaborate with me on this tour, aligning our efforts for mutual benefit. Establishing a robust partnership with the volleyball association lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability and reciprocal support. Together, we strive towards common goals, creating enduring benefits for both the tourism industry and the local sports community.
By showcasing the Kamloops volleyball association as an integral part of the tourism experience, the aim is to raise awareness of their activities, programs, and events. This exposure not only enhances their visibility but also attracts new members, volunteers, and supporters, thereby amplifying their impact within the community.