Rijvers of Light
David Rijvers of Richmond Volleyball has been appointed as South London’s Shining Light of Community Sport as part of the Olympic Legacy Community Games Relay.
David was rewarded for his fantastic commitment to volleyball across South London, where he has helped create a South London Volleyball League (indoor and beach) and has introduced volleyball into schools across Richmond and the surrounding boroughs.
David is the driving force behind the hugely successful Richmond Volleyball Club, who in recent years have been voted Club of the Year by Volleyball England (2009), PRO-ACTIVE London (2009, 2010) and the Sport and Recreation Alliance (2009).
South London’s Shining Light was recognised at one of South London Beach Volleyball Competitions at Barn Elms Sport Centre. The club is running beach volleyball sessions at Barn Elms throughout the summer, with 3v3 beginner and intermediate competitions every Saturday, and 2v2 intermediate and advanced competitions every Sunday.
Richmond Volleyball Club have benefitted from the new beach volleyball courts built using sand from the Olympic courts at Horse Guards Parade. Since the Olympics new beach volleyball facilities have been built at Barn Elms and Wimbledon Park, and David is hoping that more courts will be introduced in other South London venues to capitalise on the sport’s growing popularity.
The Community Games Relay has seen 69 regions across England nominate a Shining Light as part of an anniversary celebration of the Olympic Torch relay. Each Shining Light has been invited to attend a celebration at the Olympic Stadium with Seb Coe
Thank you to everyone who has and continue to support RVB and the South London Volleyball League!