Thunder Volleyball Club

Indoor Update

Thunder Volleyball Club is committed to following the protocols announced by Volleyball BC in that the health and safety of our volleyball community is – and will always be – our primary concern. The season landscape changes daily with regards to cancellations and we now know that all Indoor Provincial Championships have been cancelled. Although this effectively and very unfortunately ends the official VBC season for the 12U and 13U teams whose final tournament was Provincials, we will keep thinking ahead to better times when the opportunity may arise for some post-season volleyball competition.

Regarding Nationals, we only have the March 18^th update from Volleyball Canada which states: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Volleyball Canada will take the advice of local and federal government bodies and decide by April 15 on whether to cancel Nationals. Please note a decision may be made sooner, depending on how the situation evolves. 

Our Thunder coaches have been working behind the scenes to create virtual opportunities to help keep the girls’ spirits up, provide some volleyball leadership and give the girls something to look forward to. Please see the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVTbu26wy1aw86rJpr1Xng

We know that this is a not an easy time for everyone and to the best of our ability we will try to figure out the financial details around refunds. This will take time as we work with VBC and our other partners to figure out the logistics and timelines so your patience is much appreciated.  

The Thunder Executive and Coaches  

Beach Update

Thunder Beach will be suspended for the spring/summer of 2020. With the current pandemic situation all Thunder Beach programs will be put (hopefully) on hold until this whole situation blows over. It is impossible to predict when that will happen but if/when it does we will have some programs ready to go. 
We as a volleyball community have a social responsibility to do everything we can to make this situation better. It takes everyone working together to make social distancing work. Please spread this message to the best of your ability. If you see someone doing something they shouldn’t call them out on it. We are all in this together. 

Thanks and stay healthy.

Jonny Wiskar, Head Coach Thunder Beach

In response to the latest update from Volleyball BC on March 16, 2020, all Thunder practices have been cancelled until further notice and will continue to follow the recommendations outlined by health officials and Volleyball BC regarding practice and tournament participation. 
Please visit the Volleyball BC website for up-to-date information regarding tournament cancellations. Yesterday’s Volleyball BC update is posted below:

COVID-19 (CORONOVIRUS) UPDATE from Volleyball bc

Updated March 16 @ 2:00 PM PDT

The health and safety of our volleyball community is – and will always be – our primary concern.

Today’s announcements by the provincial and federal governments highlight the need for everyone to play an increased part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Effective immediately, Volleyball BC will be suspending events, programs and activities.

A full list of cancellations and postponements can be found below. We will assess the situation and information as it becomes available and will continue to update the website.

The Harry Jerome Sport Centre will be closed to the public until week of April 6, at which point we will further evaluate the situation. 

Volleyball BC believes that we – and our clubs and teams included –  have a social responsibility to take proactive measures. We strongly recommend that all of our members follow public health guidelines and that volleyball activities cease immediately to limit potential exposure and spread of the virus.

We will continue to monitor all appropriate medical and public safety advice, and we will encourage our members to take all reasonable precautions. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent. Until then, we thank you, our members and your families, for your patience and hope you stay healthy.

VOLLEYBALL BC – YOUTH CLUB EVENTS

• March 16-19 – Spring Break Camps – CANCELLED
• March 21-22 – Team BC Training Camp #3 – Delta – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – 16U Girls A Super Series – Langley – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – -16U Boys Super Series – Victoria – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – 13-16U Boys Super Series – Victoria – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – 17-18U Boys Super Series – Langley – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – 17-18U Girls Super Series – Kelowna – CANCELLED
• March 28/29 – Development Coach Workshop – Fraser Valley – CANCELLED
• April 4/5 – Advanced Development Coach Workshop – Fraser Valley – CANCELLED
• April 4/5 and 10-13 – ALL Regional Championships – various locations – CANCELLED
• April 4/5 – 15U Girls Tournament – Langley and Burnaby – CANCELLED
• April 4/5 – 16U Girls Tournament – Victoria and Nanaimo – CANCELLED
• April 10-13 – Island Championships – Vancouver Island – CANCELLED

At this point in time, we have not cancelled the Indoor Provincial Championships. We will continue to assess the situation and will make a decision by week of April 6, 2020.

Our sixth annual Thunder Raffle and Club Night took place on Saturday, February 1st at War Memorial Gym where the T-Birds defeated the Cougars in 3 straight sets.

A big thank you to our 2020 Raffle Sponsors: North South Travel, Lululemon, UBC Athletics and UBC Bookstore.

Also a big thank you to our parent volunteers AND a big thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket to support Thunder Volleyball Club!

THE WINNERS OF THE 2020 THUNDER RAFFLE ARE:

• 1^st Prize: $1250 Travel Gift Card from North South Travel – Kelly Vance (Ticket # 2187)
• 2^nd Prize: $750 Cash Prize – Chad Rathlef (Ticket # 0412)
• 3^rd Prize: $400 UBC Prize Pack – Simon Pimstone (Ticket # 0283)
• 4^th Prize: $250 Lululemon Prize Pack – Maureen Neilly (Ticket # 3639)

BC Gaming License #122497

Thunder Volleyball Club is pleased to donate $1650 to Volleyball Canada for the Women’s National Team program – $5 collected from each Thunder tryout registration for the 2020 season. Thank you to all families who registered for our Thunder tryouts as a portion of the fee directly benefits the Canadian Women’s National Volleyball team.

Next year, 2020, marks 20 years since Thunder Volleyball Club was formed. We have much to celebrate from the past 20 years and much to look forward to in years to come!

20th Anniversary – New Thunder Logo and Thunder Club Night on Saturday, February 1st.

As part of our 20th year celebrations, Thunder Volleyball Club is pleased to introduce our new logo designed by our very own long time former Thunder player Sofia Warrington. Inspired by our spectacular region, the image reflects reaching new heights on and off the court and is featured on all our 2020 team gear and spirit wear.

Also part of our 20th Celebrations is an event to bring together past and present Thunder members and supporters at our Thunder Club Night on Saturday, February 1st at War Memorial Gym. Details to come in the new year but please mark your calendars now for this special occasion.

Thanks to all the families who responded with interest in potential 12U and 15U Thunder Boys club programs for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, we have been unable to secure gym space so will be working on putting this in place for the 2021 season instead.

In lieu of a 2020 club team program, we are hoping to offer skills development sessions for boys as gym and coach availability permits. Information will be posted on our website if we are able to provide this opportunity; please check back in the new year.

Thanks again – we look forward to offering a Thunder Club Program for Boys next year.