Freezone Volleyball Club

Posts Tagged ‘News’

The recent AGM of Freezone Volleyball on Sunday 29th July saw Freezone Volleyball elect a new committee and executive officers to take the club into the future. This sees a momentous moment where our President of 10 years departs the club as the Executive Member, and passes the baton to our new president and committee.

Wally Salinger celebrated his tenure with a small ceremony this evening after our training session where new and old members openly expressed their gratitude and affection for his long standing commitment and leadership within the club and the community in general. His time was celebrated in dedications, pictures, a friendly roasting and even in song as members joined in acknowledging his huge contribution over the past 10 years.

The reflections on his term as president, showed how much passion Wally has invested, and the role that he has encouraged the club to play in giving people of all identities an open, safe and friendly environment to participate, socialise and excel within.

Wally has led Freezone Volleyball from a gaggle of sporting nuts, left after the height and giddiness of the gay games in Sydney 2002, to a thriving organisation that supports residents and visitors alike in a sporting fraternity of friendliness and thriving ability. In his time, Wally has co-ordinated this small club from relative obscurity and financial fragility, into a secure, fiscally sound and supportive organisation with a prominent identity in the Sydney GLBTI community and sporting community in general.

Wally has personally secured over $40,000 in sponsorship and facilitated endless events and inter-club relationships over the years. From initiating competitions and leading unique events such as the Thailand AIDS Awareness campaign, Gay Games and World Masters teams, GAMMA and ACON Awareness campaigns, Wally has set himself beyond compare in his capacity to be enthusiastic, supportive and effective in achieving success for the club and those around him.

Perhaps his most effective and loved role was as his team captain over the years, which is currently in its 4th incarnation as ASS Whites! As any new member and inexperienced player has discovered, Wally is the perfect mentor, patiently and enthusiastically encouraging individuals to better themselves, increase their skill and come out of any shells they may have to be exuberant and confident individuals. The club ranks swell with people who started with ‘the friendly german giant’ and have achieved great heights with state, national and international volleyball tournaments, as well as finding personal confidence and social stability. No club can survive without new energy and Wally has been at the forefront of ensuring this over his time at the club. A talent and energy that will be sorely missed.

Wally paid tribute to the supporting members and committees from the past and those that have assisted him in his time, during the AGM and small celebratory presentation. But all would agree that without the managerial skill of attracting new energy and activating individuals, identifying their unique skills and bringing them to fruition, the club would never have enjoyed the success it currently holds.

Wally also paid tribute to one special behind the scenes person, his partner of 11 years, Michael Judd. No leader can commit so much energy and time to a club without putting strain on a personal relationship. Mike has wethered the commitment and given Wally the time to shine in his role as president. Something the whole volleyball community is very blessed to have benefited from.

Wally’s legacy is a successful club that supports and thrives with individuals who not only achieve sporting prowess, but have formed friendships and a sense of community through a group of like minded individuals. There are many personal stories over the years, that owe a gratitude to Wally’s friendly nature, sympathetic ear and guiding encouragement. His considered and calm guidance has steered people onto success not only on the court, but in business, personal life and in the community in general.

Wally we thank you for your leadership and legacy, for your commitment, energy and dedication over the past 10 years. We look forward to still having you in the club and enjoying your infectious enthusiasm for many years to come.

Working with Volleball NSW and several other Sydney based clubs; Freeezone is actively encouraging greater participation of females in our events. Yes! It is POSITIVE discrimination; but in the nicest possible way; inclusion for all and those who can field mixed teams have the potential for cash prizes.

1.   Teams which finish 1st and 2nd qualify for cash back incentives
2.  Best Uniform – innovative, funny, coordinated and based on a common theme

Download and complete a registration form here, complete your EFT payment and email your payment confirmation and registration form to our Teams Coordinator

On behalf of the Executive Committee,

Wally, Amit and Boris.

This year’s Spring Tournament will be held at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush on September 22nd, 2012.

For registration and information, please click here >

The tournament has space for 21 teams in 3 divisions. Team entry is confirmed when registration is paid and the entry form completed. The draw will be released 10 days prior to the event.

The following is a short summary:

• We will be starting 8:15am with warm up and captain’s briefing at 8:30am.
• It will commence at 9:00am sharp
• All teams will need to duty. In some instances, teams will need to duty 2 games concurrently. Here, you will only be expected to provide 1 scorer, 1 first ref, 1 second ref (i.e. provision of linesmen are suggested but not mandatory)
• Duty teams final matches must provide a minimum of 2 linesmen, 1 first ref, 1 second ref, & 1 scorer.

Boris

Secretary

Results from Day 1

A big day of competition for both the Safe Sets teams with hard fought games and great performances against teams at the Asia Pacific Outgames.

The Pandas were off to a flying start against the Melb Spikers with 2 sets won and a strong hold in the third. Only to faulter at the post and allow the Spikers to regroup and take out the 3rd set to keep themselves in the hunt. The 4th set was the Pandas to win, but Spikers re-grouped and started tipping with great effectiveness to take the set away from a 23/19 lead and close out the 4th set. Eventually riding their momentum, they took the fourth set in an exciting and epic first game of the day.

SS Awesome were challenged early in their first game from the Brisbane Acers who were a very strong team with a particularly hard hitting no.4 hitter. However Julias and the boys were tenacious and surpising in their attack – taking the first set convincingly. Running quicks, slides and double combinations, the Acers were able to take the set off SS Awesome and run away with the next three sets, though the boys kept pace with them the whole way, just losing by 5 or so points in each set.

Awesome were then to face the Pandas nemesis in their final match of the day which was a very hard fought and constantly toing and froing match with great hitting from the front court and tenacious covering of the clever tipsters in the back line. Always keeping their nose in front, the Awesome crew were ultimate winners in a tight and tiresome 4 set win. The boys rallied hard and the points were hard fought with long tranfers across the net and clever play from both sides.

tomorrow brings the play off round for the qualifiers and then onto the medal round. Both teams are in contention to make it to the gold medal game in each division. We shall see what unfolds!

Keep you posted

Melbourne Spikers def SS PANDAS
19/25
21/25
25/19
25/23
15/7

SS Pandas def Melbourne Crisis
25/20
25/14
25/18

Acers def SS Pandas
25/19
25/12
25/14

Pandas move into B Grade

Acers def SS Awesome
20/25
25/8
25/18
25/19

SS Awesome def Mixed Lollies
25/16
25/19
25/12

SS Awesome def Melbourne Spikers
14/25
25/16
25/23
25/19

SS Awesome into A Grade

Presentation Awards Night 2010.

Awards were presented at the Motown Xmas Party.

2010 Presidents Wrap

A Gay Games year is always a giant task for the committee and players. Tournaments, events around Australia, Fund Raising and Social Activities have come together in a very hectic, successful year.

Freezone has operated successfully financially – with the amazing support in cash and in kind of our major sponsors; ACON, SSO and H Tran and Partners.

Cash and training benefits to members this year amount to $2,000 in coaching services and about the same in $2,000 in financial assistance to teams travelling to tournaments in Adelaide, Melbourne and Cologne. Additional support has been provided in kind by our Media Partner, SSO and by TriSkills in the provision of vehicles in Adelaide and Canberra.

The Committee wants everyone to know that we want more people training, playing and socializing in 2011, starting with a beach day on Jan 2^nd at Maroubra Beach.

It is my privilege on behalf of the members and committee to present awards to our rising stars, Freezoners extraordinaire, and to honour the service provided to the club by individual members.

2010 Most Improved – Matthew Park

Matt began shyly, but has totally immersed himself in his new sport. Some would even say he is almost drowning in it. Congratulations on the sensational way you have picked up skills and given volleyball your all.

2010 Best New Member – Benoit Jutras

Benoit just appeared out of nowhere – and he has been at every club event since. Thank you for the joy the speed and excitement you have brought to the club.

2010 Best Freezoner – Yumi Pham Vu

Yumi has only missed one committee meeting in 2 years, has played beach, social and tournaments, being a shining example of what it means to be a team captain and leader. The whole club honours your service and values your ongoing support.

2010 Members Award – Peter Furness

Members wanted him to be awarded Best Freezoner, he said that would not ‘be proper – or look good.’ I agreed. Since then I have had 5 individual Emails and a phone call asking confirmation that Peter was being honoured for his dedication and hard work.

He is always there, volleyball, our community and teams are better off because of Peter’s involvement, input and amazing talents; this is for fundraising, hardwork, social outings, on-court playing here and in Cologne, venue coordination and the best point on the court.

2010 President’s Award – Shared by Tian Liu and Kelvin Bi

Most Improved and Always Involved. I have really appreciated the support, critique and positive input from these two.

2010 Happy Vegemite Award – Kristian Kuelle

How enjoyable it is to have a happy, fun loving German involved in the club. Even when he has been sidelined by injury or unable to play in a tournament, he has been there; Cologne and in Homebush. We love having you as a part of the Freezone community.

2010 Best Dressed - Mark Bennett

Themed parties are both a pain and great fun. Congratulations to all our well heeled Motowners, winner of the Best Dressed is the standout of a very hard to choose from Crowd. I think it was the combination of Roadworker luminescent yellow set behind a multi-layered, eye catching bold striped suit that did it Mark!

2010 Life Membership Award – Julias Grant

Julias has been a member of Freezone since 1995. An accomplished sportsman in several fields including tennis and table tennis; he joined the volleyball ranks in time to play in the Amsterdam (1998) and Sydney (2002) Gay Games. Julias is a man of honour, respected by all in the club

Julias has been a constant presence since I joined the club in 2001. We have played on the same team. We have discussed issues on which we disagree, worked late into the night to redo draws for tournaments and even have stolen players from each other’s teams to fill gaps for tournaments.

Julias was the club’s first new member Welcomer when on the Committee, assisting to change Freezone’s image  from a ‘clicky group of sports people’ to one of the friendliest, and most welcoming clubs in Team Sydney. He was also a driving force to obtain professional coaching services for members, achieved in 2010 with the assistance of a sponsor.

Julias works long hours, yet ensures that he is free to play at tournaments. He is the first to take new attendees and include them in his team, ensuring that no one is left out. He has constantly provided proposals for the committee to consider, taking an active part at times and accepting the decisions whether favourable or unfavourable, with grace and dignity, promoting matters agreed to by the Committee.

He believes in others. He supports people of all races, abilities and outlooks to enjoy the sport he loves. Countless people have played a season, a full year or beyond with Julias in Free Spirit. The team boasts multiple successes, even without making finals or achieving gold, always purporting enjoyment as the primary focus.

The spirit of Julias as a Captain exemplifies the very best of what a good sports person is. Julias has stood aside in finals to allow another player to set, saying, ‘He is much better than me, the team will perform better without me on the court.’

This may be true for your team Julias, but Freezone Volleyball is deeply indebted to you for your support, tireless diligence and enthusiasm. We are a better club, have better teams, enjoy gathering new players because of your hard work, skill development and beautiful nature.

We do not award Life Membership lightly, so you join a very select group: Dan Grossi, Barry Webb and Khit Jartnoi; two who were Amsterdam Gay Games Team Members in 1998.

The members of Free Spirit past and present and the members of Freezone Volleyball Club and its Committee of Management honour you with Life Membership of the Club.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU

Wally Salinger

President, representing the Committee and Members
December 2010

Have you visited our Facebook Group? Have a look at the Dragons on the road to Canberra and a Gold Medal on Video!

No Volleyball Training at UTS Sunday Dec 20th, Dec 27, 2009. We then break til January 3rd where we have our 2010 Maroubra Beach Picnic at Maroubra Beach, and Indoor Training commences again on January 10th, 2010.

Training starts at 3.00 – 6.00 pm, Sydney Boys High School, Cleveland Street Moore Park.

Kiss Me -under the mistletoe – Freezone’s Xmas Party and Awards Night. Details:
Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, 96 Union Street Pyrmont.
7.30 – late on Saturday December 5th, 2009.
What a cheeky night out. Many thanks to all those who were a part of the night, special thanks to Kristian, Offie, Peter F, Yumi for all their work on setting up the venue.

Congratulations to the award winners:
1. Best on Court Choreography: Offie
2. Miss Congeniality: Peter F
3. A Grade MVP: Fiat M
4. B Grade MVP: Tommy
5. C Grade MVP: Bart & Michael P
6. Mr Enthusiastic: passionate about club and sport: Julias G
7. Committee Special Recognition for service to the Club: Yumi P-V
Photographs will be uploaded shortly.

Videos and pics from Good Neighbour Tournament:

FreeSpirit at Good Neighbour 2009

Chilli Cha Cha at Good Nieghbour Tournament Canberra 2009

Dragons at Good Neighbour Tournament Canberra 2009

Chilli Cha Cha-2 at Good Nieghbour Tournament Canberra 2009

PHOTOS
Canberra Good Neighbour Tournament 2009 by Mick Jansen