As part of Athlete Wellness Week, the OVA will be hosting an interactive Zoom call on Friday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. featuring four Ontario Volleyball alumni and high performance athletes to tackle the discussion of body image.
The panel of athletes includes:
Alexandra Poletto
Team Canada Beach Volleyball
University of Southern California (Beach); Colorado State University (Indoor)
Leaside Volleyball Club
Alex is a professional beach volleyball player who has been competing in international competition since 2014, appearing on numerous continental tours and multi-star FIVB events. Her post-secondary career spans indoor and beach disciplines with each resulting in multiple All-Conference accolades and NCAA National tournament turnouts.
Ben Kerkhoff
McMaster University
Forest City Volleyball Club
Ben represented Canada at the FIVB U21 World Championships in June 2019. He is in his second year at McMaster University.
Amanda Harnett
Team Canada Beach Volleyball - Next Gen
Halton Hurricanes Volleyball Club
Amanda has been competing on the international FIVB circuit since 2018. With her partner, Marie-Christine Lapointe, she brought home a bronze medal from a NORCECA event in Martinique which was the pairs first international tournament as a team. In February 2019, the duo placed fifth-place finish at an FIVB World Tour two-star event in Cambodia.
Liam Kopp
Team Canada Beach Volleyball - Next Gen
McMaster University
Liam has made 23 appearances on the international beach volleyball circuit, most recently placing third at the 2019 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Punta Cana with partner Jake MacNeil, a career-best on the tour.
The athletes will share their experiences dealing with challenges and issues related to body image, including social media, creating a positive environment , validation and self love. Attendees can also contribute to the conversation and ask the panel any questions they have regarding their own challenges or as it relates to the panel.
To register for this Zoom call, please click the button below.