Staff
The Fort Frances Flames took part in a co-ed volleyball tournament at Mine Centre School over the weekend.
The Flames, comprised of kids in Grades 5 and 6 from local schools, put together two squads to take part in the 15-team field.
The team is made up of players from a local volleyball development program that ran from October to December, and then resumed from February to April.
“This is a grassroots attempt at getting the kids ready for the Grade 7-8 court sports offered by district schools,” program organizer Cynthia Donald said.
“This is a private program and is kept very cost-effective at $50 per child.
“I have been doing the [Grade] 7 and 8s for years, but when I did the [Muskie] junior girls last year and went to other towns, volleyball development seems to be needed more to get to the next level,” Donald added.
“I know Dryden has a private club and it has helped their program.”
Helping to coach the Flames were Muskie players and Fort High teacher Duane Roen, who are hoping to organize a summer volleyball camp prior to school starting up in the fall.
“Over the [past] 20 years, some of us are noticing the skills aren’t there,” Donald said. “Maybe parents aren’t getting out and playing ball with their kids like before, and are instead working their thumbs inside on the television, but things like hand-eye co-ordination are crucial in volleyball even more than in some other sports.
“If the ball drops, you are done,” she stressed.
