The National Volleyball League hosted the sold out 20th annual Volleyball Vacations event at Club Med in the Turks and Caicos islands November 3-10. Over 120 volleyball enthusiasts from 8 countries and 22 states were able to enjoy a week long volleyball filled vacation with their favorite NVL pros.
Over 15 NVL Pros organized tournaments, coached clinics, and played with these fans then enjoyed dinner and parties nightly. What makes these vacations so unique is the overwhelming attention to detail and how everyone becomes a family. Bobby Devari from Newport Beach was attending his 3rd trip and said, " I can't imagine these trips ever getting better, but they blew me away again. The dedication and focus the Pros put on us fans and the fact that they make sure we have an experience we will never forget is remarkable. I love this sport and appreciate how hard the NVL Pros share their passion for the sport with us."
Casey Patterson and his wife Alexis enjoyed their first volleyball vacations so much that at the banquet dinner on the final night Casey stood up at dinner and stated, "this feels like heaven and I don't want to tear up, but I had the best week of my life." The crowd roared with approval and it showed how much these professional athletes appreciate the game so much and are willing to share their experience.
2012 Canadian beach volleyball olympian Josh Binstock also enjoyed his first volleyball vacations event. "Now I understand why everyone has been praising what the NVL has been doing for the past 2 years. I have a new appreciation for this sport and feel fortunate to have been a part of such a special event and league." Many Canadians come on these trips and were thrilled with Josh and his coaching and playing.
Winner of 6 events in 2012 and arguably the best defender in the womens game Whitney Pavlik enjoyed another stellar trip. She has become a crowd favorite on and off the court and played for countless hours with excited fans that loved her energy.
Sinjin Smith had the most interesting story of the week. The FIVB needed him to be in Switzerland, but Sinjin refused to cancel his plans to be at his favorite week of the year. AL-B Hannemann talked about his good friend in amazement and said, "Sinjin is what makes this sport so special and I have learned so much from him. He left in the middle of the week and only brought his suit to Switzerland, attended the 3 hour meeting then got back on a train and came right back to our event. Nobody could believe he came back and hosted an amazing video and slide show of the Olympics for the entire resort of 350 people. It was special and the guy really cares about this sport."
Trips next year include Hawaii in late February, Florida in July, Canada in August, and Cayman and Turks in November.
This sports fantasy camp business has been keeping fans and pros traveling together visiting various countries sharing their love of beach volleyball since 1993. Volleyball vacations has been responsible for bringing thousands of tourists to the Turks and Caicos islands alone and thousands more to destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, California, and Brazil.
Information can be found at www.volleyballvacations.com.
