Heath heads for Brazil

Local volleyball association vice-president Brendon Heath is on his way to Brazil for five weeks of training ahead of the New Zealand volleyball season.

Heath, who departed our shores last night, is one of New Zealand’s top beach volleyball players and as vice-president of the local association he is keen to develop the sport here in the islands.

But first he is making a start on getting back into the swing of international competition.

He will be guided through his five week training session in South America by a Brazilian coach.

Heath told Cook Islands News that he is preparing for the New Zealand volleyball circuit which is due to begin in October.

He admits that he hasn’t done much training while on the island.

However he has stayed active by taking part in the various social sports events on the island including social mixed netball, basketball and of course indoor volleyball.

Heath will also represent the Cook Islands at the Federation de International Volleyball World Congress in Rome where he will discuss future funding and development of the sport here in the islands.

Heath will return home briefly after his training session before touring on the lucrative beach volleyball circuit.