From modest beginnings in 2003, a willing business, some volleyball lovers and a group of players who really wanted to see volleyball grow in Osoyoos, the Osoyoos Beach Volleyball club was founded. In those 20 seasons, our club has grown to 36 teams, with thousands of players; past, present and future.
This season proved to be the biggest and best yet. Since its inception, volleyball in Osoyoos now includes High School Provincial champions, University / College Scholarship athletes, and a local Club volleyball program. All thanks to those countless volunteers, coaches, organizers, administrators, supporters, fans and most importantly our players. For 11 weeks every summer for the past two decades, our teams have enjoyed the most amazing, family-fun, social, competitive and healthy activity in the entire Okanagan. We wish to personally thank all the sponsors, who continue to support our volleyball community, grow the sport and love of the game and stand behind the most fun-filled activity of the summer. This season, for the first time ever saw us move our final tournament date from Saturday to Sunday, due to the incredibly poor weather on Saturday. A tough decision, for sure, in hindsight we felt it was the right one, because the heavens awarded us with a perfect day for volleyball. Thank you to all the players that came by, with smiles and thanks. It’s that appreciation that fuels us to keep trying to better the league, build the sport and advance the game for our players. This season was a landmark season, as the level of talent was unprecedented, former high school players, college players and all skill levels coming together to play this beautiful game. From the very bottom of our hearts, thank you for this gift of 20 years, of smiles, fun, laughter and making this special place we call home, that much greater.
In light of the recent comments on social media concerning the final tournament; there has been unsportsmanlike conduct that has happened on a variety of levels and the attacks that have been directed at ourselves personally in a public forum is not why we put the time in over the past 20 years to make this such a great event. We wanted to create something fun, family-friendly and grow the game in our community. We are not prepared to sit and take personal attacks from those that feel they need to air their grievances publicly. As such, this will be our last season organizing the Osoyoos Beach Volleyball league, and will spend our time and energy in a manner that supports those that appreciate the time and effort involved in putting together something of this magnitude and scope. Thank you to all of you that have given us so many great memories and fun over the years.
Sincerely, Jason & Amy
