Message from the President of CAZOVA to the Jamaica volleyball Fraternity

July, 6, 2011,

Dear Friend of Volleyball,

In 1999, Jamaica VA hosted the 2nd Junior Caribbean Volleyball Championships for both men and women. 12 years after we are back for the 8th Junior Men Championships. Youth and Junior programmes are the foundation for development of any sport. With the global financial difficulties experienced, some Governments reduced the support for sport in an attempt to balance their budgets. However, while they reduce their expenditure on sporting programmes, we see a growth in crime and an increased requirement to spend on the health sector.

In Volleyball we sought to invest in our development programmes so that the future of our sport would be secured. Although we have already invested over $50,000 in equipment and other support for JaVA, it is not enough to sustain the development that is required. We need to have the support of Governments and Corporate sponsorship to ensure that our younger generation is provided with the tools necessary for them to become good and patriotic citizens. Governments need to recognize that an investment in Sport is an investment in Health, National Security, and Education and creates National Pride. We have excellent examples here in Jamaica of what an Athlete can do for the image of the country and its economy.

This championships is not without its problems for funding, but with the support of the JaVA president and his executive and all the volunteers we assure you that the tournament will be a success. Many thanks to the sponsors who have come forward to support this event and contribute as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. We look forward to the support of the media during tournament and I would like to thank all those who attend here today and implore you to spread the good news that the 8th Caribbean Junior Champions will be celebrated here in Jamaica from the 22nd to 27th July at the UTECH.

Regards and may Almighty God bless us all

Mushtaque Mohammed
CAZOVA President and NORCECA Vice President