Bermuda’s beach volleyball players start their preliminary stage campaign at the Central American and Caribbean Games on Saturday.

The men’s pair of Benjamin Barnett and Connor Somerville face the US Virgin Islands at 11am Bermuda time. Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard, the women’s duo, are up against Panama at 6pm.

With this the first time that the men’s team have qualified for the CAC Games, Somerville is buzzing with excitement.

“I’m really excited to represent Bermuda at the CAC Games,” Somerville said.

“This is my first time competing for the multi-sport games, so I’m looking forward to taking it all in and experiencing everything that comes with it. I’m excited to compete alongside my partner, give it everything we’ve got and make Bermuda proud.”

Barnett is thrilled to represent Bermuda and cannot wait to get into action at Malecón Deportivo.

“I’m really excited to take part in these Games,” Barnett said.

“The reception has been great and there is a strong sense of pride among all athletes in representing Bermuda especially as a complete federation. We’re all situated now and itching to get out there and compete.”

Rick Bevis, the men’s coach, is pleased with the level of enthusiasm displayed by the athletes. The Canadian coach and educator has been working with the Bermudian players since April.

“Lots of amazing energy at the Games and I’m sure it will continue to build,” Bevis said.

“Dominican Republic have been terrific hosts and we are all looking forward to the matches starting on Saturday.”

Hands is feeling blessed to be in Santo Domingo after putting in a lot of effort to prepare for a maiden appearance at the Games.

“It’s really cool to be in the Athletes’ Village with all the athletes from so many countries,” Hands said.

“It feels surreal to be here after working so hard with my partner to get ready for this event.”

At the 2023 CAC Games in El Salvador, Lisa LeBlanc and Meghan Calhoun finished sixteenth. Gazzard is delighted to follow in their footsteps three years later.

“We are honoured to be able to represent Bermuda, along with all the other athletes here for their countries,” Gazzard said.

“I’m excited to see the work that we have put in come to a culmination. It’s great to meet so many new people who all share the love of sport at this big event.”

Meagan McPeek, the women’s coach, indicated that her players were ready to leave it all on the court.

“This is such an amazing experience for these athletes to participate in this level of competition,” she said.

“They have trained with purpose, stayed focused and done everything they can to prepare. Now they get to embrace the experience, enjoy the atmosphere and compete with passion.

“We're all very grateful for this opportunity and I know these athletes are ready to give everything they have.”