At Sovicos, we believe that high-quality equipment is essential for our teams, and this includes our volleyballs. But what happens to the balls once they’ve been retired? Although they may be too worn or hard to meet our standards, they are far from useless! Instead of discarding them, we give our balls a second life by donating them to places where they are still needed and appreciated.
Where do our old volleyballs go?
Over the past year, we’ve proudly donated our volleyballs to various organisations around the world. We sent some to a volleyball club in Suriname, others to a girls’ volleyball team in northern India – sponsored by Dames 2 – and through Nevobo, several were sent to a refugee camp in Algeria.
But that’s not all! In September, Misbah, a volleyball pioneer from Pakistan, visited the Netherlands. Misbah founded the first female volleyball academy in Pakistan, as well as the country’s first women’s army volleyball team. When I, Milene, met her in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to give her a few Sovicos balls to take back for the academy. For us, Gala and Mikasa balls are standard, but in many countries, they are a luxury. Misbah was absolutely delighted with the donation!
Why is donating so important?
During my travels, I’ve seen many volleyball players using improvised balls – sometimes made from banana leaves or worn leather. These balls hardly bounce or bounce too much, and they’re often so hard or slippery that it’s difficult to play properly. For these teams, a donation of quality equipment makes a world of difference.
Our retired volleyballs may no longer meet our requirements, but for players in other countries, they are a valuable asset. It’s fantastic to know that our old balls can continue to bring joy and fun to players across the globe.
A fresh start for Sovicos and our balls
At Sovicos, we continue to invest in new, top-quality materials for our teams. This ensures our players always have the best equipment. But rather than discarding the old balls, we make sure they find a new home where they can still serve a purpose. In doing so, we contribute to the sport where resources are often limited.
Let’s take pride in the fact that we’re not only investing in our club but also making a difference for others.