In 2007, Doug Balser started Champion Volleyball Club with just one team, and over the past 17 years the club has flourished into 38 teams across 3 locations, welcoming over 380 dedicated indoor club season athletes, over 180 Spring League participants, and roughly 50 beach athletes. While the club has steadily grown its year-round programming, it has always put an emphasis on community service and increasing accessibility of the sport of volleyball through the Champion Outreach Program.
Champion Volleyball Club is continuously seeking new opportunities to engage their athletes in meaningful activities and share their passion for volleyball within the Winston Salem community. The Champion Outreach Program already hosts Block Out Childhood Cancer and Block Out Hunger fundraising events. Most recently, with the help of Coach Maggie Joyce, and her strong commitment to working with individuals with Down Syndrome, and in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston Salem (DSAGSW), Champion Volleyball Club planned a free event called Aces for Down Syndrome.
Hosting an ACEs Down Syndrome event is way for the club to make a meaningful impact, demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, and enrich their community through the love of the sport. The event aims to teach volleyball skills while fostering inclusion and understanding. Champion Volleyball Club Director of Operations Olivia Morris shares the goals and impact of hosting an ACEs Down Syndrome event:
“Promotes Inclusivity and Awareness: This event provides a platform to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and foster inclusivity within our community. By organizing such events, we show that our club values diversity and is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Community Engagement: Hosting an event that focuses on Down Syndrome encourages community participation. It allows us to connect with families, friends, and individuals affected by Down Syndrome, fostering a sense of unity and support.
Empowering Individuals: These events can be empowering for individuals with Down Syndrome, offering them a chance to participate in volleyball activities and experience the joy of the sport. It also highlights their abilities and contributions, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive representations.
Strengthening Club Values: Organizing and participating in an ACEs event aligns with our club’s core values of teamwork, support, and compassion. It provides an opportunity for our members to give back, develop a sense of empathy, and reinforce the importance of community service.
Raising Funds and Resources: Such events can also be a platform for fundraising, which can support programs and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome. This can include educational programs, social activities, and other supportive services that enhance their quality of life.
Building Lifelong Connections: Engaging in events that support individuals with Down Syndrome helps build lasting relationships within the community. These connections can lead to a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has a sense of belonging.”
In June 2024, Morris, applied for the JVA Grant Program, to fund Aces for Down Syndrome, and the application was approved.
“The JVA Grant for ACEs for Down Syndrome has been a game-changer for our volleyball club. With this generous funding, we’ve been able to purchase specialized equipment that ensures our events are accessible and friendly for self-advocate athletes. From adaptive volleyballs to inclusive training aids, the new gear enhances the experience for all participants, fostering a more supportive and empowering environment. This grant not only symbolizes financial support but also represents a commitment to inclusivity, allowing athletes of all abilities to shine and be celebrated on the court. The positive impact of this grant will resonate through our community, reinforcing the values of equality and teamwork,” said Morris.
To promote the event, Champion Volleyball Club set up a resource table at the Buddy Walk hosted by DSAGWS on October 12th, featuring a volleyball net and 4-Square in the Air to demonstrate the activities planned for the following week.
On October 19th from 9am-12pm ACEs for Down Syndrome was held at Champion Volleyball Club’s indoor facility. 12 self advocate athletes registered for the event. There were six coaches from the club onsite and 15 athletes who volunteered as coaches. 4square in the air was set up on one court, two smaller adjustable nets were set up on another court, setter targets were set up on the third court and then a fourth court was available as a free court. The club’s athletes partnered up and enjoyed teaching the basic skills to the participants, tossing balls, and working on serving and hitting. The families of the participants were able to sit in the bleachers and just enjoy watching their athlete have fun. Participants played games like red light green light, tag and soccer together with the coaching staff.
“This event combines our love for volleyball with the goal of raising awareness and understanding about Down Syndrome, including its possibilities, challenges, and advancements in education and treatment. I want to express my gratitude to our incredible athletes and their families for volunteering and making this event a phenomenal success. Your time, effort, and unwavering support are the heartbeats that drive our community forward. Your dedication not only helped create an inclusive and enriching experience but also highlighted the true spirit of teamwork and generosity that defines our club. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for making this event a memorable and impactful occasion for everyone involved. Your involvement truly makes a difference,” added Morris.
Champion Volleyball Club stands as a beacon of growth and opportunity in the volleyball community, fostering both skill development and a love for the game. In addition to it’s Champion Outreach Program, the club is finding ways to grow its grassroots programs by introducing Champs VolleyStart, an 8-week in-house program designed for newcomers or those not yet ready to commit to travel teams, with approximately 35 athletes enrolled so far. The Lil Champs program for ages 5-9 is steadily growing, currently engaging youth athletes ages 7-10 years old. In addition to hosting numerous juniors tournaments throughout the season, the club hosts adult RevCo tournaments one to two times per month from October through January to engage the adult volleyball community.
“I want to thank Doug Balser for his support and belief in me to host diverse events and engage our athletes. As someone primarily focused on administrative duties rather than coaching, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute with these remarkable young athletes more than just volleyball. Our stellar coaching staff excels in guiding these young ladies to greatness on the court. I’m proud to contribute in ways that impact life lessons they will carry beyond the court. Being part of the exceptional staff that Balser has built over the years is amazing. He has truly created a program that welcomes everyone and fosters a genuine sense of family within the Champion community. Thank you, Balser, for your inspiring leadership and the opportunity to be part of this incredible journey,” shared Morris.
We look forward to seeing how Champion Volleyball Club continues to positively impact the Winston Salem community as it spreads joy, inclusivity accessibility, and the love for volleyball through its innovative programming and community outreach.
Champion Volleyball Club (Winston Salem, NC) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, a nonprofit organization that is 100% focused on improving the junior volleyball experience for over 1,500 clubs, directors, coaches and athletes. Through the JVA Grant Program, QCVA received funding to support its Training Program this past season. To learn more about the JVA Grant Program go to jvavolleyball.org/jva-grant-program/
In 2007, Doug Balser started Champion Volleyball Club with just one team, and over the past 17 years the club has flourished into 38 teams across 3 locations, welcoming over 380 dedicated indoor athletes over 180 Spring League participants, and roughly 50 beach athletes. While the club has steadily grown its year-round programming, it has always put an emphasis on community service and increasing accessibility of the sport of volleyball through the Champion Outreach Program.
Champion Volleyball Club is continuously seeking new opportunities to engage their athletes in meaningful activities and share their passion for volleyball within the Winston Salem community. The Champion Outreach Program already hosts Block Out Childhood Cancer and Block Out Hunger fundraising events. Most recently, with the help of Coach Maggie Joyce, and her strong commitment to working with individuals with Down Syndrome, and in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston Salem (DSAGSW), Champion Volleyball Club planned a free event called Aces for Down Syndrome.
Hosting an ACEs Down Syndrome event is way for the club to make a meaningful impact, demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, and enrich their community through the love of the sport. The event aims to teach volleyball skills while fostering inclusion and understanding. Champion Volleyball Club Director of Operations Olivia Morris shares the goals and impact of hosting an ACEs Down Syndrome event:
“Promotes Inclusivity and Awareness: This event provides a platform to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and foster inclusivity within our community. By organizing such events, we show that our club values diversity and is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Community Engagement: Hosting an event that focuses on Down Syndrome encourages community participation. It allows us to connect with families, friends, and individuals affected by Down Syndrome, fostering a sense of unity and support.
Empowering Individuals: These events can be empowering for individuals with Down Syndrome, offering them a chance to participate in volleyball activities and experience the joy of the sport. It also highlights their abilities and contributions, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive representations.
Strengthening Club Values: Organizing and participating in an ACEs event aligns with our club’s core values of teamwork, support, and compassion. It provides an opportunity for our members to give back, develop a sense of empathy, and reinforce the importance of community service.
Raising Funds and Resources: Such events can also be a platform for fundraising, which can support programs and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome. This can include educational programs, social activities, and other supportive services that enhance their quality of life.
Building Lifelong Connections: Engaging in events that support individuals with Down Syndrome helps build lasting relationships within the community. These connections can lead to a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has a sense of belonging.”
In June 2024, Morris, applied for the JVA Grant Program, to fund Aces for Down Syndrome, and the application was approved.
“The JVA Grant for ACEs for Down Syndrome has been a game-changer for our volleyball club. With this generous funding, we’ve been able to purchase specialized equipment that ensures our events are accessible and friendly for self-advocate athletes. From adaptive volleyballs to inclusive training aids, the new gear enhances the experience for all participants, fostering a more supportive and empowering environment. This grant not only symbolizes financial support but also represents a commitment to inclusivity, allowing athletes of all abilities to shine and be celebrated on the court. The positive impact of this grant will resonate through our community, reinforcing the values of equality and teamwork,” said Morris.
To promote the event, Champion Volleyball Club set up a resource table at the Buddy Walk hosted by DSAGWS on October 12th, featuring a volleyball net and 4-Square in the Air to demonstrate the activities planned for the following week.
On October 19th from 9am-12pm ACEs for Down Syndrome was held at Champion Volleyball Club’s indoor facility. 12 self advocate athletes registered for the event. There were six coaches from the club onsite and 15 athletes who volunteered as coaches. 4square in the air was set up on one court, two smaller adjustable nets were set up on another court, setter targets were set up on the third court and then a fourth court was available as a free court. The club’s athletes partnered up and enjoyed teaching the basic skills to the participants, tossing balls, and working on serving and hitting. The families of the participants were able to sit in the bleachers and just enjoy watching their athlete have fun. Participants played games like red light green light, tag and soccer together with the coaching staff.
“This event combines our love for volleyball with the goal of raising awareness and understanding about Down Syndrome, including its possibilities, challenges, and advancements in education and treatment,” added Morris.
Champion Volleyball Club stands as a beacon of growth and opportunity in the volleyball community, fostering both skill development and a love for the game. In addition to it’s Champion Outreach Program, the club is finding ways to grow its grassroots programs by introducing Champs VolleyStart, an 8-week in-house program designed for newcomers or those not yet ready to commit to travel teams, with approximately 35 athletes enrolled so far. The Lil Champs program for ages 5-9 is steadily growing, currently engaging youth athletes ages 7-10 years old. In addition to hosting numerous juniors tournaments throughout the season, the club hosts adult RevCo tournaments one to two times per month from October through January to engage the adult volleyball community.
We look forward to seeing how Champion Volleyball Club continues to spread joy and the love for volleyball through its community outreach and innovative programs.
Champion Volleyball Club (Winston Salem, NC) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, a nonprofit organization that is 100% focused on improving the junior volleyball experience for over 1,500 clubs, directors, coaches and athletes. Through the JVA Grant Program, QCVA received funding to support its Training Program this past season. To learn more about the JVA Grant Program go to jvavolleyball.org/jva-grant-program/
