OVA News

Karlye Wong, who came out to offer help, goes full-out for the ball during the Canada Summer Games clinic at Fritz Thiel Park on July 12. - James McCarthy/NNSL photo

Former Canadian international star and Olympic bronze medalist Mark Heese was in Yellowknife on July 11 and 12 to run a series of clinics for those interested in sharpening up their beach volleyball skills. Heese’s attendance was made possible through the joint efforts of Yk Beach Volleyball, the NWT Volleyball Association and Sport North. Heese said when he received the invite, the thought of winter weather immediately popped into his head.

“I asked if I should bring my toque,” he said with a laugh. “I wasn’t sure if there was snow on the ground still. Becca (Kroeger, president of Yk Beach Volleyball) said it was in the 20s. Of course, I come up and it’s 12 degrees. I’m saying ‘Whoa, wait a second’”.

Weather shock aside, Heese said from what he saw, the territory is slowly moving forward in getting the sport recognized by the mainstream population.

“I can remember being in Toronto as recent as 15 years ago and there was a bylaw at the most popular beach in town, Ashbridges Bay, saying you couldn’t play beach volleyball,” he said. “Now, there are over 100 city-installed courts and they’re packed every night. That’s how I see things here. You have to start somewhere and Becca has done a great job in moving things along. I wanted to come and support that.”

Most of Heese’s work on the Sunday dealt with the Canada Summer Games squad of Becca Canam and Myka Stewart. He said it’s tough to say where the duo will shape up in Charlottetown.

“I’ve been exposed to some of the teams already and I think they’ll be one of the lower seeds,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean there’s no hope for them. They have the enthusiasm and they work hard.

“One day, they’ll get a win over Ontario or B.C. and the entire volleyball community here will feed from it.”

Glorianna Jeun took the opportunity to get some extra playing time in at the park. She said having someone like Heese come to give some instruction in a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“He brings a lot of experience to us here in Yellowknife,” she said.

“He brings a lot of enthusiasm and it’s contagious. It’s an absolute honour to take part in a practice Mark Heese is running.”

Heese is hopeful his Northern trip can become an annual event.

“We had over 50 people come out in the three communities I visited,” he said.

“I’d like to see that double next year and maybe even visit more communities next year and the years ahead.

“As long as there’s the promotion and the media help behind it, that’s my goal.”

James McCarthy, Northern News Services Online