Richard Campbell has been in volleyball for a number of years now. The latest proof of his potential came at Public Beach last weekend.
The George Town native claimed the September edition of the King of the Beach series. The beach volleyball tournament saw a handful of players and spectators brave rainy conditions to enjoy some energetic serves and spikes.
Interestingly Campbell, 27, is the organizer of the competition, sanctioned by the Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation. He was quick to state his showing was not predetermined.
“It just happened that I won, no one can say it was rigged,” Campbell said. “I feel like my hard work practicing and organizing paid off very well. Everything worked out fine. The weather held up, there were no major delays and everyone played well.”
The rest of the top three featured notable names in the sport. Duncan Hamann, who competed in this year’s North American, Central American and Caribbean volleyball federation tournament, placed second while local legend Shervin Rankin came third. All would win a number of prizes with Campbell and Hamann earning Nokia X2 cell phones courtesy of Digicel and Rankin snagging cases of Corona beer.
After two sessions, Rankin (who won the first match in August) is on top of the monthly series with 180 points. Andrew Gordon is second with 140 points and Campbell is third with 130 points.
Campbell states he has been impressed with the quality of competition so far in the tournament.
“The competition level is at the highest within Cayman. It’s featuring people who play beach volleyball all of the time and train constantly. Everyone is cooperative and willing. It would be nice to get people overseas to come and play, they could show us the level we’re at with the US and the rest of the world.
“On Sunday, regulars Philippe Deslandes and Ryan McGuire were missing but Glen Daykin stood out to me. Glen, 49, finished last but he put so much effort into it, especially for being the shortest player at around 5ft 9in or 5ft 10in. He turns 50 next month and for being the oldest one he plays great defence and really keeps up with us younger ones.”
As a sanctioned event by the local federation, official score-keepers and referees have been used for match-days. On Sunday the head referees were Michael McLaughlin (known to most residents as an actor in local plays) and Keith Higgins. Campbell states both deserve props for a successful competition.
“I thank the sponsors (including Funky Monkey), referees Mike and Keith and the score-keepers. I also thank Fareed Hosein of the federation, who has given a big helping hand in the initial stages. We’re using federation equipment and referees so we’re getting the support. In turn they give me freedom when it comes to organizing the event.
“Our next match is 30 October from 12noon to roughly 5pm at the Public Beach. Prizes will be much of the same though Digicel will be offering two Blackberry Curve 8520s with a week of free internet.”
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