By Samuel Peters
The Dynasty Volleyball Academy’s annual Glow in the Dark Tournament brought a unique twist to competitive volleyball on Saturday at the YMCA, combining athletic competition with an engaging family-friendly atmosphere.
The tournament, coordinated by Dynasty Volleyball Academy’s coach Farida Isaac Carr, featured eight teams competing in a 6-on-6 knockout format. While participation was slightly down from last year’s 10 teams, the coordinator noted that the smaller field actually helped maintain a more manageable tournament schedule.
Warriors, a newly formed team, claimed the championship in an upset victory, dethroning last year’s champions Fantastic Six, who finished third in this year’s competition. The tournament maintained competitive balance through its unique mixed-gender format, requiring a minimum of two players of the opposite sex on the court at all times.
The event’s distinctive glow-in-the-dark setting created a festive atmosphere, with both players and spectators participating in the illuminated environment. While spectator turnout was moderate compared to last year’s inaugural event, those in attendance enhanced the atmosphere with their own glow paraphernalia.
The tournament’s success was supported by several local businesses, including Dadli Directory, Mega Distributors Ltd, Like A Latte, Terminator Carwash, SweetBBBs Restaurant, and Island Originals. The Volleyball Association also provided crucial support through venue access.
Looking ahead, Carr indicated that there have been requests to host the event multiple times per year, though organisers are carefully considering how to maintain engagement while potentially expanding the tournament’s reach beyond the core volleyball community.