LVPI looks to unite all volleyball factions after SEA Games

With the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) optimistic about the country’s chances in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, secretary general Ricky Palou said that the NSA is already looking to extend its boundaries and possibly unite all Philippine volleyball factions in the near future.

“After the SEA Games, we intend to identify all the other stakeholders all over the country to be members of the LVPI,” he said during the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday. “Once this happened, we will call a general assembly and elect officials of the LVPI.”

As it stands, only the UAAP, NCAA, Philippine Superliga (PSL), and the V-League are the only major stakeholders of the LVPI, headed by POC vice president Joey Romasanta.

Palou said that the federation has yet to enumerate the associations, but wheels will sure be turning for the eventual incorporation in the LVPI after the SEA Games.

“There’s no specific numbers at this time, but we’re looking at all leagues all over the country right now,” he said.

He also said that the formation of training pools and establishment of grassroots programs are in the pipeline.

“We want to create a training pool for men’s and women’s competitions. We’re also looking for age group competitions and implement it on a national scale para may grassroots program,” said Palou.

He added, “We’re also planning to have regular beach volleyball tournaments, and we’re looking at possibilities to host international tournaments here for men’s and women’s.”

It will be a welcome sight for volleyball fans, whp had to endure years of futility with the country’s inactivity in the biennial meet.

The Philippines’ men’s and women’s squads both won a bronze medal in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila, but have yet to see action in the succeeding tournaments.

Still, the officials are positive with the way the sport is going at this stage.

“If you were there in the past, there’s no reason why we can’t be (a contender) again,” said Sports Vision chairman Moying Martelino. “The problem is we’re behind by 10 years. We’ll get there, but it will take some time.”

“We aim to bring volleyball to a higher level,” Palou ended.