Time moves on ... we’ve had time to reflect on our memories from last summer’s volleyball camp and its favourable results. The new year has quickly unfolded and preparations are well under way for this summer’s edition of the Jõekääru Kalev Volleyball Camp in August.



In the meantime, the majority of our young athletes have turned their attention indoors, utilizing their volleyball skills as members of their respective school teams or, in some cases, also chosen to further develop their skills competing with one of the OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) club teams in their region. In both given scenarios, our youth have performed admirably!

From interschool competition results, we’ve been made aware that Will Thompson and his U16 St. Andrews College teammates claimed the CISSA (Independent schools) title. Similar achievements in the CISSA were earned by Katrine Eistrat (Toronto French School) and Alexa Thompson (Mother Theresa School), who led their teams to titles in their respective age divisions.

In OFSAA (Ont. Federation of Schools Athletic Association) “AA” schools' competition, both Teija Jõgi’s Sutton District High School and Kristi Wismer’s Eden High School teams won their respective regional championships, thus advancing to the OFSAA provincial championships in Windsor, Ont. There, Kristi’s Eden High School team lost a tough match in the semi-finals, but proceeded to win the third place match and claim the Bronze medal!

In OVA competition, we’d like to recognize our volleyball camp athletes who have trained and competed so admirably for their respective OVA clubs. The OVA consists of close to 500 teams in various age classes. The indoor season consists of four primary tournaments, played at various locations through the winter months and the competition is, in a word, intense. The tournament results from the season help determine the team rankings and groupings in advance of the Ontario Provincial Championships.

Our athletes (team name in brackets) who are participating in OVA competitions this year are: Katrine Eistrat (Interclub U13), Alexa Thompson (Aurora Storm “Tsunami” U14), Kersti Sõrra (DRVC U15), Alexandra Heron-Suits (Markham Stingers U16), Brielle Migur (Interclub U16), Naedine Heron-Suits (Marham Stingers U17), Teija Jõgi (Aurora Storm “Blast” U17), Kairi Vaikla (STVC Fury U18), Mari Pikkov (Leaside Lightning U18), Jonathan Wismer (Niagara Rapids U15), Kenni Dobson (Oakville Thunder U16) and Hendrik Jakobson (Durham Attack U16).

Having observed them all play during the course of the season, it’s been gratifying to watch how well their game has progressed, due in large part to their growing confidence in their capabilities. Tournament Top-three finishes so far which involved our athletes and their respective teams are as follows:

Kersti Sõrra (DRVC U15) 1 Gold, 2 Bronze *also 1 Gold & 1 Silver at U16 tournaments
Alexa Thompson (Aurora Storm Tsunami U14) 2 Gold * also 1 Bronze at U15 tournaments
Alexandra Heron-Suits (Markham Stingers U16) 1 Silver
Mari Pikkov (Leaside Lightning U18) 1 Gold, 1 Silver
Jonathan Wismer (Niagara Rapids U15) 1 Gold, 2 Silver
Hendrik Jakobson (Durham Attack U16) 2 Silver

The results above bode well as all the teams prepare for the upcoming Provincial Championships at Rim Park Sports Complex, Waterloo, the first of which takes place the March 30th weekend (different age divisions/different weekends).

The Canadian National Volleyball Championships take place in Toronto, May 17-23 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Park. This massive event is expected to draw over 800 teams - close to 10,000 volleyball players! This is one event that volleyball enthusiasts won't want to miss.
The Jõekääru Volleyball Camp Family wishes each our young volleyballers and their OVA teammates continued success at the Provincial & National competitions. We also extend our appreciation to all the parents for the patience and constant support they have provided their "budding stars" throughout the long indoor season.

Hopefully, we'll bump into you somewhere in the stands during the Provincials and Nationals. If not, then this summer at Jõekääru Kalev Volleyball Camp for sure.

"Volleyball is just incomparable"

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