Bahamas a dream for duo

AT the beginning of the year, the beach volleyball pair of Damian Aisi, 15, and Tonnie Gima, 17, never thought of the opportunity to travel to the Bahamas.
The pair picture  the Bahamas in the Caribbean as a famous tourist destination for many around the world which they see on television. And if they would be there, it would be in a dream or if they grow up to be wealthy men in the future.
Now seeing the Bahamas is merely a matter of hours away for the duo. Nassau, Bahamas will be the temporary home for the Central lads from July 19-23.
Coming from a family who is heavily involved with volleyball in Papua New Guinea, the athletes know that sports can take one anywhere in the world and what matters is commitment, dedication and sacrifice to make that a reality.
All eight athletes that get to represent the country abroad at the Commonwealth Youth Games sacrifice their time and commit themselves to the couse. Aisi and Gima are no strangers to each other; they are practically family.
“We are basically family. Tonnie is my uncle and the love for volleyball runs in the blood so I think that is something that has brought us to this stage,” Aisi said.
The volleyball fraternity in the country is also proud of the achievements of the pair.
Considering the fact that it is the first time Team PNG is sending representatives in beach volleyball to the sixth Youth Commonwealth Games, the families of the pair are overwhelmed.
“It is a big step for beach volleyball in the country,” says travelling official Karo Rupa.
“Despite the limited time the pair had to sort out their combination, they did well in training and preparations with the help of their families from Hula and Kairuku in Central and the volleyball community,” Rupa said.
Apart from playing beach volleyball, the pair have been playing indoor volleyball for the past couple of years.
“Using the skills and tactics of indoor volleyball we find beach volleyball exciting with this opportunity given to us. We will learn as much as we can and give our best for our country,”Gima said. Rupa said their objective was to perform to the best of their ability at the event and hopefully make the top five amongst the 12 participating countries.
“If we win a medal then that would be something historical for us in beach volleyball,” she said.