What Now You Ask???
The World Games for the Deaf in Copenhagen, Denmark are now finished. The next Games are to be held in
Rome, Italy in 2001. We want to be there, with a stronger team that is capable of a better finish.
For that to happen, we need your support again. We need to find and identify players capable of representing Canada.
We also need to start the process of raising funds again towards this new goal. Overseas travel does not come cheap
and thanks to many of you, Denmark became a reality.
The program is being re-evaluated now with a focus on making improvements in the next cycle. There most probably will
be new coaches and as a result, we ask for your patience. We hope that everything can once again start to gear up little more than
a year from now. Stay tuned for more information regarding the team.
O.V.A.
We will again be placing at least one team into the OVA for the the
1997-98 season. Due to retirements and other committments of some of the players, we will
be looking for new players. Those interested should contact Mike Persi
History of the Team
The Canadian Deaf National Volleyball Team (1997) was the dream of many people. The person instrumental in getting it off the
ground was Mike Persi. Mike made the necessary arrangements with CDSA to start establishing a team and holding tryouts. Mike gained
immeasurable help from Joanna Bennett. She did an emormous amount of "behind the scenes" work for the team. The two formed a committee of
helpers to put together a first Ontario tryout and then the National tryout. By this time, Ian Gowans had been selected as Head Coach. The National
Team was selected in January, 1995.
Once the team was picked, Ian sought some help himself and was lucky enough to find Steve Shantz as his assistant coach. Both coaches brought with
them a strong technical background and good teaching skills. To aid communication, Rhondda Reynolds was brought in to help interpret. Through countless hours of practicing the results started showing. Since most of the players were
from Ontario, and in fact from the Toronto area, the team practiced twice a week for the better part of 2 years. 3 training camps also occurred - concentrated
time to work on specific areas.
Most of the team competed within the OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) league. As time went by and improvement occurred, more and more people began to comment
on our team. Teams were no longer taking the "Deaf Team" lightly. In fact, many people were watching us closely.
Behind the scenes, the support staff worked hard on trying to get sponsorships and raise funds. We were able to get a few sponsorships (see sponsor section) but hope for more in the next cycle. Also all the adminstation details had to
worked out - a learning experience for all those involved.
In the end, Denmark became a reality. The players, coaches, support staff and everyone else involved in the program have a great deal to be proud of. Finishing 8th in the world with a team with no international experience and that was not even
in existence 2 years before is amazing! Everyone involved want to thank all of our supporters without whom this dream would never have come to be.
UPCOMING EVENTS
No known events at this time. Contact us if you know of some or that you want to
advertise about
SOME OTHER SITES TO VISIT!
International / National
Volleyball
Canada Central
True North Volleyball Magazine
Volleyball
Worldwide
Beach
Volleyball Professionals of Canada
FIVB
Online
American
Deaf Volleyball Association
Deaf
Canada Online
Provincial / Regional
Ontario Deaf Sports Association
Ontario
Volleyball Association (email only)
Alberta
Volleyball
BC
Volleyball Association
Victoria
Volleyball Association
London
Forest City Volleyball Club
Volleyball
Nova Scotia
EVENT RESULTS
Wasaga Beach 4's tournament - results posted soon.
DONATIONS TO THE NATIONAL TEAM
To make donations to the Canadian Deaf National Mens Volleyball Team,
contact:
Box 460
Elmvale, Ontario
L0L 1P0
Remember to write on your cheque, "to support the C.D.N.V.T."
If you want a tax receipt, you must request one be sent to you.
Thank you very much!
COACHES PROFILES:
Head Coach, Ian Gowans 
Education: University of Waterloo, Bachelor or Science in Kinesiology;
University of Western, Bachelor of Ed;
PLAYING: 4 years Waterloo Men's Team, 3 years Club Volleyball, 3 years
Pro Beach Tour in Ontario.
COACHING: 1 year Ass't Coach Ryerson University, 1 year Ass't Coach
Region 5 under 17 team; Head coach Scarborough Solars Womens
team, 3 years; Coach D.V.A. team in OVA 1 year.
Ass't Coach, Steve Shantz
Education: University of McMaster, Bachelor of Physed, Bachelor of
Arts in Geography; Bachelor of Ed as Teacher at Queens University.
PLAYING: McMaster mens Team for 3 years, Queens Mens Volleyball Team
1 year, club volleyball Region 5.
COACHING: Ass't Coach McMasters Women's team, 2 years; Ass't Coach
University Waterloo Mens Team 1 year.
Joanna was born and raised in Carleton Place, Ontario. After highschool,
she attended College and University to study acting and for the last 10
years has pursued a career in Film and Television. 4 years ago, she
returned to College and upon graduation, became a Sign Language
Interpreter. She now divides her time between freelance interpreting and
acting as well as managing the National Deaf Team. Jo has played
volleyball in the Ontario Volleyball Association at the "A" level for 5
years as well as varsity at Sheridan College. She has been involved in
Deaf Volleyball for 4 years and looks forward to their ultimate goal of
bringing home a medal at the World Games this Summer!
Player Representative - Mike Persi
- Mike Persi : Educated
at E.C.Drury School for the Deaf in Milton, George Brown College, Toronto
and Gallaudet University in Washington D.C, Mike has been involved with
volleyball for many years. To address the increased interest in Beach volleyball,
Mike created D.V.A, the Deaf Volleyball Association. This past summer,
D.V.A. hosted it's Third Annual Four's tourny for Men and Women in Midland,
Ontario. Working at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo as a zookeeper, Mike still resides
in Elmvale with two cats, Radu and Poet! Mike is the Captain on the current
National Team and competes in the Ontario Beach Volleyball Series. He also
plays indoor in the Ontario Volleyball Association, Region 5, 2 years on
a hearing team, 3 years on a Deaf team.
Thanks to our donators!
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped make our dream come true.
Two years ago when we started this team, we knew that this was a huge undertaking. We have made it happen with your
support!
Thanks for visiting....
people have been here to visit since the installation of this counter (May 25th)
Canada's Deaf Volleyball Page / Last updated Aug 21st, 1997
