Ecuavoley is a variation of volleyball that originated in Ecuador and is popular among the Ecuadorian diaspora in New York. The sport is played with three players on each side of a high net, using a soccer ball and a set of rules that differ from conventional volleyball. Ecuavoley enthusiasts say that the sport helps them preserve their cultural identity and build community in the city.
The Origins of Ecuavoley
Ecuavoley is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century, when Ecuadorian soldiers stationed near the border with Peru adapted the game of volleyball to their own preferences. They used a soccer ball instead of a volleyball, raised the net to about nine feet high, and reduced the number of players to three per team. They also developed a scoring system that rewards skillful serves and blocks, and a set of hand signals to communicate with teammates and referees.
The sport spread throughout Ecuador, especially in the highlands, where it became a popular pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds. Ecuavoley tournaments are often held during festivals and holidays, attracting large crowds of spectators and bettors.
The Growth of Ecuavoley in New York
Ecuavoley was brought to New York by Ecuadorian immigrants who settled in the city in the 1960s and 1970s. They started playing the sport in parks and playgrounds, mostly in Queens, where the largest concentration of Ecuadorians in the city lives. They formed teams and leagues, and organized tournaments and championships.
Today, there are more than 50 ecuavoley teams in New York, according to José Cisneros, the president of the Ecuavoley Federation of New York. He estimates that there are about 2,000 active players and 10,000 fans of the sport in the city. The federation hosts several events throughout the year, including the Copa Ecuavoley New York, which attracts teams from other states and countries.
The Benefits of Ecuavoley for Ecuadorians
Ecuavoley is more than just a sport for many Ecuadorians in New York. It is also a way of expressing their culture and identity, and of creating social bonds with fellow immigrants. Ecuavoley players say that the sport helps them cope with the challenges of living in a foreign country, such as discrimination, isolation, and stress.
Eduardo Paredes, a 42-year-old ecuavoley player who came to New York from Ecuador 20 years ago, said that ecuavoley gives him a sense of belonging and pride. “It’s like being at home,” he said. “It’s like being with your family.”
Paredes added that ecuavoley also helps him stay healthy and fit. “It’s good for your body and your mind,” he said. “It keeps you away from bad habits and bad influences.”
The Future of Ecuavoley in New York
Ecuavoley is not only popular among Ecuadorians, but also among other Latinos and Americans who have learned to appreciate the sport. Some ecuavoley teams have members from different nationalities and backgrounds, creating a multicultural environment.
Ecuavoley players hope that the sport will continue to grow and gain recognition in New York and beyond. They also hope that ecuavoley will inspire younger generations of Ecuadorians to embrace their heritage and culture.
“We want to keep this tradition alive,” said Cisneros. “We want to show our children where we come from and what we can do.”
