Jimmy now in Liverpool
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Twenty-five years after the demise of Jimmy George — the shining star of Indian Volleyball — his legacy is scaling new heights. Volleyball tournaments in memory of the legendary spiker are getting popular, not just in Kerala, but abroad as well.
Liverpool, in north-west England, is gearing up to host the 1stJimmy George memorial Volleyball Tournament at the Kensington Community Sports Centre on February 18. Though the game is not quite popular in England there is an interesting tale behind the hosting of this
tournament.
Sajeesh Jacob, Jibu Kudilil and Joshy, three Malayalis settled in the United Kingdom thought about it on one of those rainy evenings which they spent playing volleyball in a local club six months ago.
They sent out notifications in Indian newspapers there and were amazed to see response coming in from not just Indian communities, but even the Liverpool university team and the Manchester Metropolitan team.
Soon they were puzzled by the unexpected response and as it was a one-day event they could not afford more than eight teams. The cost involved was the biggest issue as a minimum of 2,000 pound was required.
“An English friend who did not know much about the sport agreed to sponsor 500 GBP after hearing the tale of Jimmy. We approached Volleyball England and they readily agreed to provide two referees to officiate the matches, free of cost,” said Sajeesh, over the phone from Liverpool.
The eight teams that will be taking part are two from Liverpool, one each from Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham.
Even a team from the Republic of Ireland will be flying down to be part of the event. The three friends have now gained the support of other Indian communities and English friends and have decided to make it an annual
event.
“It is very impressive the kind of response we got for this initiative. I and my friends have been playing volleyball from childhood. We have plans to continue this every year, like an ever-rolling trophy, “said Sajeesh.
Meanwhile, the Jimmy’s family here has expressed its support for the tournament. His brother and former state captain Sebastian George said, “It is so nice to hear about the event in England.”
Jimmy George memorials are held elsewhere too. In America, a similar tournament is being conducted for the last 10 years. Also, Auckland in New Zealand hosted a tourney last year.
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