Volleyball

The game of volleyball, originally called “mintonette”, was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, after the invention of basketball by only 4 years. Morgan, a graduate of the Springfield College of the YMCA, designed the game to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis and handball.

The first volleyball net, borrowed from tennis, was only 6’6? high (though you need to remember that the average American was shorter in the 19th century).

The offensive style of setting and spiking was first demonstrated in the Philippines in 1916. Over the years that followed, it became clear that standard rules were needed for tournament play, and thus the USVBA (United States Volleyball Association) was formed in 1928.

Two years later, the first 2-man beach volleyball game was played, though the professional side of the sport did not emerge until much later. Not surprisingly, the first beach volleyball association appeared in California (1965), and the professional players united under the auspices of the AVP (American Volleyball Professionals) in 1983.

During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, American men and women took gold and silver medals in indoor volleyball competition. Four years later at the Olympics in Korea, the men once again scored gold. Starting in 1996, 2-man beach volleyball was officially introduced to the Olympics. Today, there are more than 800 million volleyball players worldwide, 46 million of them in the U.S.

McMahon kicks her boots up

Melbourne Vixens co-captain Sharelle McMahon has announced via social media networking site Twitter, that shes thrown away her boot.
McMahon suffered a season ending Achilles rupture on March 31, in Vixens round eight loss to the Queensland Firebirds.
Within days of a surgical repair, a heartbroken McMahon announced the end of her World Championships prospects, but held off from making any disclosures about her career.
She wore a protective moon boot after the surgery on April 1.
In the wake of the injury, surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, public sympathy was enormous, with fans and team mates urging the star netballer not to give up hope of a return.
The Australian captain became the first netballer and only fourth woman to carry the Australian flag into the Commonwealth Games, last year in Delhi.
As part of her rehabilitation, McMahon began light work at the gym two weeks ago. She announced the good news from her surgeon in a series of tweets late Tuesday.
My visit to surgeon today: Him: Looks great, did you bring your shoes? Me: No, why? Him: You can walk now. No boot. Me: Whaaaaat?! Wooo!!
Needless to say, it was a great report...now to slowly build up calf which has disappeared & gradually use the boot less & less. Worlds??
Team mates Renae Hallinan and Tegan Caldwell immediately responded.
Great news Sharazza! Even though the boot was becoming quite the fashion accessory- I'm glad we can slowly say our goodbyes! Hallinan said.
Caldwell tweeted, so excited!!! That's awesome!!
In other news, Netball Australia will announce the World Championship selection squad in a week.

BaBloo 923335360546 (dawar_arise@yahoo.com)