Makkovik, an Inuit community in northern Labrador, has long held volleyball close to its heart. For this remote village of fewer than 400 people, where the snow is practically year-round and travel to and from the region is expensive, volleyball is more than a sport. It’s a tradition, a passion, and a source of community pride.

“Volleyball has always been the most popular sport here,” Chief Administrative Officer of the Makkovik Inuit Community Government Jermaine Manning explained. “It’s reflected in our programming, with more hours dedicated to it than any other sport. For a small community, we’ve produced many skilled volleyball players over the years.”

This dedication to volleyball is evident not only in weekly recreation schedules but also in the shared memories of competitions and triumphs stretching back to the 1980s.

But maintaining this tradition in such an isolated location hasn’t been easy. Flights are costly, facilities are limited, and coaching opportunities are rare. To overcome these challenges, the Makkovik Inuit Community Government sought funding through the CSAI. Their goal was ambitious: to bring volleyball to every corner of their community, ensuring it remained accessible and welcoming for players of all ages and abilities.

The result was a weekend-long camp called 'Volleyball Dayz,' an event that sparked enthusiasm throughout Makkovik.

"It was incredible to see so many kids and adults come out," Manning shared. “For some of these kids, it was their first chance to attend any kind of camp, let alone one focused on volleyball.”

Grayson, five years old, summed up his experience simply: "I liked playing volleyball, it was good! I’m a good volleyball player now!"

The camp wasn’t just about drills and games. It was a chance to bring the community together. With local volleyball players serving as trainers, young athletes were able to see their own neighbors as role models.

“I thoroughly enjoyed co-hosting the camp,” Colleen Pottle, one of the trainers, reflected on the experience. “The kids actively engaged in drills and applied tips effectively. I’m looking forward to hosting again if the opportunity arises.”

This sense of connection extended beyond the gym walls. Old photos of past Makkovik volleyball teams were displayed during the camp, sparking nostalgia, and pride among participants.

“Some of the kids were tickled to see their parents in team photos when they were young,” Manning recalled.

The display served as a powerful reminder of the community’s rich volleyball history, inspiring the next generation of players.

Even beyond Volleyball Dayz, Makkovik’s commitment to the sport is evident. Weekly recreation programming ensures that everyone from fourth graders to adults has a chance to play. High school teams regularly compete at regional tournaments, often returning home as champions. Manning believes this success is no accident.

"Our programming has significantly contributed to the level of skill and confidence our youth are showing. It’s a reflection of the dedication this community has to volleyball."

For many, the Labrador Winter Games are the pinnacle of Makkovik’s volleyball legacy. Held every three years, the games bring together athletes of all ages from across Labrador for a week of spirited competition. Makkovik’s volleyball team has become a crowd favorite, known for its intense play and passionate fans. Local athlete Trent Pottle remembers his first Winter Games in 2000, when he was just 14 years old and they placed first. Over the years, Makkovik has consistently performed well, with gold medal wins in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.

The dedication to volleyball in Makkovik isn’t just about competition though. It’s about community. Manning points to the annual Christmas tournament as a perfect example.

“Every year, university students come home for the holidays and join in,” he explained. “The gym is packed with fans, and the energy is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned player or someone who hasn’t picked up a volleyball in years. Everyone is welcome.”

This inclusivity is central to Makkovik’s volleyball culture. For younger players, the camp organizers adapted drills to build confidence.

“We let the younger athletes play games over a badminton net to help them feel successful,” Manning explains. “It was a simple adjustment, but it made a big difference in helping them feel great about their skills.”

Despite the successes, Makkovik faces ongoing challenges. Travel costs remain a significant barrier for families, limiting opportunities for young athletes to attend tournaments or tryouts.

One promising player, 16-year-old Jacob Dyson, recently made it to the final round of tryouts for Team Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025 Canada Games. But getting Jacob to St. John’s for practices and competitions required substantial fundraising by his family.

“It’s almost a full-time job for his mother,” Manning notes. “Not every family has the resources to navigate these challenges.”

Looking ahead, Manning hopes to see even more support for communities like Makkovik.

“We need more funding to help our athletes compete at higher levels and to bring outside coaches into our community,” he says. “There’s so much potential here. I believe we’ll see the first Inuit volleyball player on a national team one day. It’s just a matter of time.”

For now, the focus remains on fostering a love of volleyball in Makkovik.