Bannister Encourages National Volleyball Teams At Special Reception

The men's team participated in the second round in Jamaica and took silver in the qualification process while the women who recently played in Barbados, won bronze despite experiencing a shocking set back.
Both teams have now advanced into the third round of the World Qualifiers and Bannister congratulated teams on their success despite their doubters.
The women will play in the third round in Puerto Rico in July and the men will play their third round tournament in Cuba in August.
Bannister said although the women experienced set backs when all of their personal belongings were stolen from the locker room while playing in Barbados, they overcame the adversity and used it to propel themselves to qualify by defeating St. Lucia in the bronze medal match.
He told the team members that back here in The bahamas, when he and his colleagues found out what had transpired in Barbados when their items were stolen including cash, passports, laptop computers, credit cards, clothes and cell phones, the Speaker of the House of Assembly  Alvin Smith contacted every Cabinet Minister to quickly resolve the matter and bring the team home safely.
Bannister also noted that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and his office made sure that the team was resting comfortably ensuring their safe return home.

"The agony that you ladies went through, all of us as Bahamians felt it," expressed Bannister.
He assured the ladies that although he did not get to speak with them personally while they were in Barbados, he was in communication with the team officials.
Bannister also revealed that when the ladies returned to New Providence, they waited until all of the tourists came off the airplane before they came of last, showing a sign of unity and strength.
BVF Vice President Joe Smith who is also the ladies head coach thanked the Government and Prime Minister Ingraham for all the work they did to ensure the safe return of the team.
Smith said, "This team took eight years to build and we are pleased with the final outcome and results thus far."
He hailed Kelsie Johnson who is also a local sports writer as a strong leader being the co-captain of the women's squad.
"I remember back in 1999 when I said I wanted to build a team around Johnson and many people disagreed with it, but I stuck to it and Johnson stuck with it and now we have arrive where we want to be."
Raymond Wilson was the men's head coach.