Local athletes part of volleyball teams
Three players from region at Canada Games
The second wave of Team Nova Scotia athletes headed to the Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg this past weekend.
Among those competing during Week 2 of the games are three volleyball players from southwestern Nova Scotia – Derek d’Eon and Alec Cottreau of Yarmouth County and Renee Cleveland of Clare.
“I feel really honoured to be on Team Nova Scotia. I know there are many people who would love to be in my position and I’m privileged I have the opportunity to do it,” Cleveland said, prior to leaving for Winnipeg.
She was looking forward to competing at a national, multisport event for the first time. “It will be a unique and amazing experience,” she said.
Cleveland said she loves the sport of volleyball because of its fast pace.
“It’s all about thinking and reacting quickly. I also enjoy the teamwork that is needed. You get to know your teammates very well and they quickly become like family,” she said. “We have a close team and we are all very supportive of each other. One of the best feelings is cheering along with your teammates after a great play.”
Alec Cottreau said being on the men’s Team Nova Scotia squad has been an amazing and great learning experience to improve as a player. He said that learning experience will continue in Winnipeg.
“Competing at the Canada games will be a lot of fun, playing against of high-level athletes,” he said.
All three athletes have played volleyball at the school and club levels. But the Canada Games is a new experience.
“I’ve learned so much about the sport since I was on Team Nova Scotia and had tons of awesome experiences with great bunch of coaches and players,” Derek d’Eon said, eager to head to Winnipeg. “It’s probably going to be the most memorable week of my volleyball career. I look forward to competing against really good teams and to watch all great Canadian athletes in all summer sports.”
D’Eon added he was also look- ing forward to the Olympic-like atmosphere of the Games.
Game schedule are posted on the Team Nova Scotia and Canada Summer Games websites.