The Intermediate Boys Area Volleyball Tournament has taken over the gym at Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (PF) today.
Around 90 students from eight local elementary schools are competing to represent the Orillia area at the County Championships on Tuesday.
"We are trying to promote the sport of volleyball," explained co-convenor Brittney Fess, a teacher at Monsignor Lee Catholic School. "We want the kids to have the opportunity to play, have fun, and develop their skills."
Co-convenor Nicole Lynch-Marwick, a teacher at Notre Dame Catholic School, says the tournament gives the Grade 7-8 students a chance to experience life in a high school for a day.
"We are very thankful that PF has given the students this opportunity," she said. "The staff here have been incredibly welcoming."
Volleyball teaches students teamwork and strategy skills. It also builds friendships that can last a lifetime, she said.
"I think that elementary school is a great place for kids to try sports for the first time," Fess said.
"If they find that they like the sport here, they can go on to play with the Orillia Suns Volleyball Club," Lynch-Marwick added.
Because of the wide range of skill levels, Lynch-Marwick says anybody could win the tournament on Friday afternoon.
"We will see how it plays out," she said. "The games are really close."
The whole stage at PF is full of parents, grandparents, and siblings who are cheering on the players today.
"I think that's what makes today so exciting," Fess said. "It's a big community event where people are watching and cheering. It makes the kids feel great."
Connor Morris, a Grade 7 Brechin Public School student, is trying volleyball for the first time this year.
"I thought it would be fun to try something new," he said. "I've really enjoyed playing it."
Morris says the best part about volleyball is it takes a team effort to win.
"I also play soccer and basketball," he said. "Teamwork-wise, it's pretty similar."
Having the day off from school to hang out with friends has been the highlight of the week for Morris.
"There are kids from other schools here today that I'm friends with," he said. "It's not often that I get to hang out with them in a school setting."
Devan Molloy, a Grade 8 Severn Shores Public School student, says he joined volleyball this year to be like his brother who used to play.
"I really like the rallies and serving," he said. "It's a lot of fun playing with a team."
With Molloy set to graduate from elementary school this summer, he says he enjoyed the opportunity to scout out the high school experience on Friday.
"It's been an interesting experience here today," he said. "There are a lot more people in a bigger space. It's been good to see how it kind of works."
The community is invited to watch the championship game today at 2 p.m.
