Sports leagues tend to be competitive and charged with a heavy dose of athleticism that may intimidate those just trying to enjoy the social aspects and health benefits.
For the most part, the programs provided by the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department provide all of the above.
But, the implementation of coed volleyball at Wards Recreation Center keeps all of the city’s citizens in mind.
“We operate all of our programs under three pillars,” said Kyla Winford coordinator of the league. “All of the sports we provide should promote at least one of the pillars: social equity, health and wellness or conservation. Coed volleyball satisfied the first two.”
The league opened play on June 27 with three teams. The first night of the event featured eight matches and a single elimination tournament leading to the championship. By the time the champion had been crowned, more than six hours of volleyball had been played.
“We won’t play every night like this,” Winford said.”We wanted to see what the interest would be like and are going to allow other teams to join throughout the season.”
The intent is to have a 12-week program that attracts players from all walks of life. Thus far players as young as 15 and as old as 50 have played in the inaugural night of coed volleyball.
“It is designed to give everyone an equal chance to play and engage in physical activity,” Winford said. “So far, it’s been both fun and competitive.”
For more information about the league call the Parks Department at (662) 378-1670.
