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31st May 2008- The bright sunny beach awaited as young players from various Primary Schools set foot on Siloso Beach for the SIloso Beach Volleyball Challenge 2008- a month long beach volleyball competition for volleyball enthusiasts of all ages. Registration begun and the students received their goody bags which had a bright orange sports singlet which they eagerly changed into.
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A thorough warm up was conducted by coaches from the Volleyball Association of Singapore (VAS) before we started on the workshop for the kids, explaining the rules of beach volleyball. It was the 1st time that these indoor volleyball players were to play volleyball on sand!
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It didn’t took long before these young sportsmen got into action with their attempt to dive for a save & spike for a point with their supporters cheering and jeering all in the name of fun. Amongst all the hustle and bustle, we did sport a few kids with potential to develop their skills further.
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At the end of the weekend, the teams who made it to the semi-finals jumped in joy, while those who didn’t gave a good pat to their worthy opponents and wished them their best.
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7th & 8th June 2008- The competitions for the teenagers aged between 13yrs-17yrs old commenced.
In teams of 3, they battled it out full force, exuberating such youthfulness and passion in their games.
Their enthusiasm and love for beach volleyball was further demonstrated as they continued to train hard between matches and even during their lunch break!
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14th & 15th June 2008- An air of excitement filled Siloso Beach as the Open category competitions
took place.
Here, we saw many professional players. There were professional players who were expatriates
from countries like Japan, Korea and Australia. There were the Ex-National Players who had years
of professional experience and there were the current National players filled with energy and drive.
A cloud of sand often filled the courts with powerful spikes being delivered and magnificent dives for a save.
Who will make it to the top and claim the $1,000 Cash Prize?
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21st June 2008- Grand Finals! The day that many teams were looking forward to. It was an eye-opener for the 2,000 plus spectators who gathered around the courts to catch the raw action.
The teams who didn’t make it to the semi-finals also made an effort to join the buzz in cheering for the teams they support.
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Lightening the tense atmosphere, we had the special appearances by the finalists of the Siloso Hotbods,
whom played a friendly game of beach volleyball amongst themselves to entertain the spectators while the
teams took a breather.
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By noon, the attention was all driven to the centre court where the final match was taking place.
It must have been the longest day of their lives for the teams fighting for the Champion title. The teams trailed each other closely with only a point’s difference.
The frequent Oohs & Ahhs of the spectators around added on to the excitement.
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Like true blue sportsmen, the teams who lost congratulated the victor and those who were in for the Top 3
positions jumped in joy exchanging hugs and a good old pat on the back.
All good things must come to an end and the event concluded with the prize presentation and a dinner buffet
for the participants.
Seeing the participation of over 50 teams battling each other in the Siloso Beach Volleyball Challenge 2008.
The month long event saw new interests garnered amongst the younger crowd and hopefully one day we will
see these young ones represent Singapore in the YOG 2010.