All nations background

Description

The All Nations began in 2005, ahead of London being awarded the 2012 games. It was created to embody the Olympic ideal, competition, world togetherness and taking part. We aim to promote peaceful competition in a friendly, fun environment highlighting the cultural togetherness that is so evident in London. A tournament organising committee was formed that wanted to create an event that captured the eclectic mix of communities that can be found in London and provide a way of promoting the diversity of the city.

The organising committee is reflective of the tournament itself and involves people young and old from right across the community. The committee work voluntarily throughout the year to engage and encourage participation in the tournament from as many different backgrounds to provide as many different promotions of culture as possible. The underpinning focus of the tournament is the opportunity to play in a competitive Volleyball tournament that off the court raises awareness of culture and encourages friendship and inclusion with all.

The tournament takes place over two weekends at a central venue with teams competing in a round robin and knock out format to eventually decide the overall winners. Each team in the competition represents a different world nation and is dressed in the colours of that country. Each team is of mixed ability and is able to get plenty of time on court in the early rounds to enjoy playing Volleyball in a competitive environment against team mates, friends, and colleagues. The best teams progress to the later rounds and have a chance to crown their adopted country champions of the All Nations Tournament.

History

At the first All Nations Tournament in 2005 170 participants from 24 nationalities took part, in seven years this figure has grown to 320+ participants from 45 countries making the tournament not only a highlight of the London Volleyball Calendar but also a massive community spectacle and example of good practice for sport in London as a whole going into the 2012 Olympiad. Sport traditionally brings people together, mixing and sharing ideas and we aim to stay true to this

Impact of event

More than 320 players representing more than 45 different countries took part in last years tournament. This year we expect the numbers of players, coaches, scorers and other personnel to increase. Participation at the tournament has proved to be an invaluable training ground for referees (who are upgraded), scorers (who are in short supply), and for coaches and general administrators. Any unattached players are guided to an appropriate level club in their area. People who have volunteered have often gone on to gain employment whether it be as sessional coaching, club coaching, paid refereeing, or admin jobs.

Aims and Objectives

The All Nations Tournament is an opportunity to engage all the international communities of London in a sporting event to promote equity, opportunity, friendship and the truly global appeal of Volleyball.

The tournament has several key features:

• Individuals enter to represent their country of birth or join a team representing a group of countries from their region
• Food on sale from around the world.
• Music and arts from around the world encouraged.
• Community groups engaged and invited to attend.
• Spectators, visitors and players free to mingle and meet through out the whole tournament.
• Local businesses from all areas of the community invited to support and attend the event.

Good Practice

The All Nations Tournament is a fantastic model of how community ownership and involvement in a sporting event can help achieve cross cutting targets around participation, health benefits and social exclusion. The organising committee will expand the competitions for 2012 to include Basketball, Beach Volleyball and a Junior All Nations Volleyball competition to create an event that accesses an even wider community audience.

Outstanding examples of good practice in the All Nations tournament include:

• Approaching and involving local businesses for sponsorship and expertise.
• Attracting significant sponsorship to be able to deliver a quality tournament that meets key aims within participation, health and social exclusion.

Lessons Learned

As with any event organisation each year is a learning experience with new ways to make the tournament bigger and better for the next. The All Nations organising committee has been able to effectively and quickly overcome issues such as:

• Making the tournament venue open and accessible to all participants, spectators and guests. The committee found that having an open environment where people could move freely and communicate was essential for the success and development of the tournament ideal. This does however take good management and organisation of court and tournament staff to ensure everyone gets maximum enjoyment out of the tournament.
• We believe that everyone should have the chance to participate in an international event. Sport is not just about competition and exercise, but also involves having a good time and making long lasting friendships. The event regulates social behaviour and creates a feeling of belonging which in turn leads to stronger communities and cultural awareness.
• The project links individuals with their communities, encourages continued relationships by offering ongoing support and advice. We work closely with the governing bodies of sport both at a regional and national level to promote the sport in all its forms to as wide a group as possible. The tournament has a very local feel to it, involving the community, both children and adults. Dialogue begins way in advance of the event with players, coaches, referees and volunteers developing the strategies for future tournaments.
• We have set up successful collaborations, between the voluntary and public sector and feel that this is the only way to ensure success and longevity.