The long path to Nanjing is an enchantment route

NANJING, China, August 20, 2014 - Distance can be measured in kilometers or miles, but it can be measured also in time of preparation when talking about development.

The second edition of the Youth Olympic Games, taking part in Nanjing, is a question of pride for the Central American and Caribbean nations. They have international ambassadors in their beach volleyball players.

Putting aside any result on the sand while the games are in progress, their programs have achieved a very important goal, and the next is to keep on working hard.

The key, just like FIVB President and NORCECA President, Ary Graça and Cristobal Marte Hoffiz have stated, is that “development is the name of the game”.

That was the motto of a successful campaign and a plan that has showed its first results.

The Youth Olympic Games have a main purpose: A promotional event that looks forward to rescue Olympic Spirit values, and also to generate a very important and positive impact in new generations, as well as more equity and opportunities for other countries.

For the first time athletes from nations like Guatemala, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia, to name a few, are living the reality of an Olympic dream after a long process that began around the different zones within the NORCECA Confederation, like Central, Caribbean, Central America and Eastern Caribbean.

Also players from other countries that have a long tradition playing on the sand like Puerto Rico, The United States and Canada are part of this celebration. A total of five male and five female teams represent NORCECA on the sand at the Olympic Park.

Players like Skye Destiny Mondesir and Dala Diana Noel, for example, have captured attention of the accredited media, including the Organizing Committee Youth Information Service, an initiative supported by the International Olympic Committee.

The road is too long and sometimes difficult, but at the same time is full of opportunities and satisfaction for many youngsters who have had the chance of living in an Olympic Village, knowing people of different nationalities and of course, the chance to go beyond their limits.