Volleyball players in the west are being inspired by a veteran role model who has travelled the globe thanks to his prowess in the sport.
Andrew Makohon, who plays in a premier division team comprising of former state league players now in their 40s, is playing alongside junior and social players – and his team is regularly beating outfits younger line-ups.
Makohon, who began playing volleyball as a 13 year-old, hopes his team’s skills and achievements will encourage others to embrace a sport that has seen him compete in Russia and Canada and at a national level in Australia, as well as taking a role of team liaison officer for the gold-winning Yugoslavian team at the Sydney Olympics.
“It has been such a fulfilling sport for me,” Makohon said.
“I’d love to give the young juniors a taste of what they can achieve through volleyball.”
Makohon said the creation of the Western Region Volleyball competition nine years ago had been a gift for players in the west who previously had to travel to the other side of the city to enjoy a high standard of competition.
The competition now includes 38 teams with more than 360 players ranging from primary school students to adults in mixed, male and female teams.
While the veterans are making their mark, Western Region Volleyball general manager Mike Dolan is excited with the young talent coming through the ranks, in particular teenagers Zachary Santamaria and Mikayla Adam, who play for the Australian junior men’s and women’s teams.
Western Region Volleyball is running free try-out sessions this month to entice adults to join the social competition.
The first session will be held this Monday night from 6.30-8pm at the Maribyrnong College Stadium, River Street, Maribyrnong.
