It all started with a love for the game of volleyball, and a strong desire to play the sport.
In 2012, the Pelayo family of McLure saw a poster at Barriere Secondary for a volleyball clinic in Kelowna, B.C.
As a result, daughter Katherine Pelayo, attended the session, and from then on has become very involved with the sport.
Jackie Wong (now Toews), Regional Coach from Volleyball BC, has been sending the Pelayos emails of events, and also suggested they check the volleyball website for Kamloops, which they did.
In December of 2013, Katherine attended the two-day session of U14 Junior Wolfpack volleyball try-outs at the Tournament Capital Center. On the third day, after a long nerve racking wait, she received a call that she had made the team A.
The next hurdle that then presented itself to the young athlete was raising funds to pay the fees involved.
The Pelayo family say, “We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to those who have helped Katherine with her fund-raising and still are. She sells frozen food and collects empty bottles to help raise the funds required.”
On April 24 to 26, was the team’s Provincial tournament in Abbotsford where they finished in eighth place out of 42 teams. They will next be playing at the Nationals, which will be on May 8-11, at the Tradex in Abbotsford.
“Kidsport has been a big factor in helping her fulfill her dream and the community members who have been supportive in her efforts to raise funds,” says Dad Noel Pelayo. “Without your help and support, this dream would not have been realized. Thank you for partnering with us in developing children’s character and personalities. Also, thank you to Kamloops Volleyball Association for embracing her into the club. Teamwork makes the work lighter and that’s what you have done in this case.”
Anyone who might like to assist Katherine Pelayo in fundraising so she can follow her dream to be a strong volleyball team player can call 250-672-5150 for more information, or to make a frozen food order.