Cayman’s first staging of an international volleyball competition last year was so successful that organisers immediately pencilled in a repeat.

So there will be a multitude of spikes, digs and blocks next week when for the second year running the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation launches its 2010 season at Public Beach, George Town.

The NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit will expand to a total of 14 stops this year and runs here from 19-21 March.

“We are excited about the start of the competition in Cayman Islands,” said Arnaldo Sanchez, Technical Director of the circuit. “Cayman’s organizing committee did a tremendous job last year and we are expecting another marvellous event.”

Last year’s event was a complete success and Noel Williams, President of the National Federation, has been working well ahead of schedule with his colleagues in order to ensure a well organized competition.

Last year, Americans Jason Wight and Michael Bruning won the men’s competition by defeating the Cuban team of Sergio Gonzalez and Karell Peña 2-0 (22-20, 21-17) in front of more than 1,500 spectators.

Canadians Ahren Cadieux and Richar Van Huizen beat Puerto Ricans Orlando Irizarry and Roberto Rodriguez 2-1 to take bronze.

In the women’s division the gold medal went to Cubans Nirian Sinal and Kirenia Ballar who defeated the Mexican team of Vanessa Virgen and Polet Cruz 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) while Americans Kristen Batt and Megan Wallin claimed third place by beating Guatemala’s Maria Jose Orellana and Anna Ramirez 2-1.

Consensus amongst visiting competitors and officials alike was that Cayman was one of the best organised and nicest places they had been to anywhere in the world.

Local interest comes from veteran pair Shervin Rankin and Olney ‘OT’ Thompson who have played together since their university days in the Nineties.

Duncan Hamann and Andrew Gordon are the other men’s side.

The women’s first team is the experienced pairing of Wanda Brenton and Jennifer Bily. Newcomers are Tarasa Barnett and Cristin Alexander.

Rankin said: “It’s exciting, everyone’s looking forward to it, the Island as a whole and everyone coming here. Everyone enjoyed it last year, especially the players from other countries. More countries are coming this time and we expect to have all the 16 slots filled, both men and women.”

Rankin and Thompson came eighth in Cayman last time. They hope to improve this time, particularly because they finished fifth the following week in the Dominican Republic.

Rankin, 37, who used to work in high finance, recently started his own floating furniture business. Thompson, 42, is also self-employed with his own car rental and satellite dish companies.

Running their own enterprises both find it incredibly difficult to put the necessary time in to train for volleyball but will nevertheless be in excellent shape for this one.

The long-term aim is to qualify for the Pan Am Games next year and the London Olympics the year after. With the help of Williams, they think they can do it.

They are using the NORCECA events to prepare for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico in July where they hope to win a medal.

“Hopefully, if we can get some sponsorship and financial backing we can focus properly with the help of coaches on getting to the Pan Am Games and London,” added Rankin.

“The top teams like the Cubans, Americans and Canadians compete on the world circuit full-time. They are effectively paid professionals which makes it difficult for us to compete with these guys who do it day in day out.

“That’s why when you look at who dominates in the Olympics and other championships, its athletes who are full paid professionals.”

Rankin perseveres because he still loves the sport. He hopes to inspire the next generation of Caymanians to take up volleyball and reach a higher level.

All four teams have just come back from training camp in Florida and recently had some coaches over from California for clinics.

“We want the Cayman public to come out and support us. We hope for bigger and better things than last year.

“Competitors who came here had issues with other stops but when they came to Cayman they were pleasantly surprised and are looking forward to coming back.”

Thompson said: “We’ve got a little bit more experience under our belts now and we’re hoping to be a lot more competitive this time.

“It’s wide open and you never know where it’s going to go. Cayman is a safe and clean island compared to where we’ve been to. There is no comparison.”