MORE than 200 volleyball players raised $10,000 in a 24-hour ”Volleython” at the Emerton Leisure Centre, Blacktown, for survivors of super-typhoon that flattened Tacloban and surrounding areas in the Philippines recently.
The Baulkham Hills Volleyball organisation led by Joe Sleiman held the ”Volleython” from 11am on Saturday, December 28 to 11am on Sunday, December 19, 2013.
”At the start, we were not too confident about a good turnout, considering that people were just recovering from over-eating during Christmas and preparing for New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Sleiman said.
”But we were delighted that 230 entries registered for a sleepless 24 hours of continuous volleyball.
The organisers were also figuring on raising between $3,000 and $4,000 for the effort, but were surprised to raise $10,000. The funds will be delivered to the super-typhoon survivors through two charity organisations: $5,000 through Caritas, and $5,000 through the Australian Red Cross.
“Most teams were organised at random and on the run,” Sleiman said. “They took turns to play timed games and all three courts were constantly full for the entire 24 hours.”
Blacktown City Council supported the event by providing Emerton Leisure Centre, staff and security for the full 24 hours. Mayor Len Robinson and the Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis officially opened the ”Volleython” at 10:45am on Saturday.
“The first 18 hours were crazy,” Sleiman said. “There were so many people wanting to play and not enough courts. But with DJ Reano from Priority One pumping out the music and the 3D Reborn dancers putting on a show, players got into the spirit and socialised while watching some exciting volleyball games. It was a great atmosphere.”
From 5.30am on Sunday, the hardcore players were starting to feel the pressure, and newly arriving relief players were a sight for sore eyes, Sleiman said.
Adding to the action were “Blind Volleyball” and some “Serving and Jumping” competitions. There was a raffle and commemorative T-shirt sales to supplement the fundraiser.
_________________________
