IBB Polonia have finished playing matches this season. What now?

Due to the Corona Virus situation, Volleyball England have decided to suspend all matches until 20th May 2020. This means that IBB Polonia London, the reigning Champions of England will not play any more this season.

According to the fixtures, matches were supposed to continue until the mid-April, this means that IBB Polonia London will miss there last four matches, which would have confirmed the retention of their crown. At the moment of the suspension, the team had not lost a single match in any domestic competition and was well ahead in points at the top of the Super League table. Volleyball England has not yet determined who will be announced as the Champions, and they have not yet decided how they will come to this conclusion. The National Cup, was scheduled for the last weekend of April and the opponents were Durham Palatinates.

“We all understand the gravity of the situation. Covid-19 was a real threat to the wellbeing of the players, coaching staff, supporters and referees. For this reason it was us who approached Volleyball England, with the proposal to suspend the season. It is a real shame that we are not able to end the season properly, but health and safety is always the priority. I want to thank Volleyball England for reacting so quickly to the situation.” said Chairman of IBB Polonia London VC, Bartek Luszcz.

The Board of IBB Polonia London, as well as the owner and strategic sponsor IBB Builders Merchants – Jacek Ambrozy is monitoring the situation closely in the United Kingdom and around the world. They are carrying out an internal review of the day to day workings of The Club, and are also in continual contact with the players, coaching staff to check on their health and wellbeing.

„As well as checking the global situation, we are also on top of our own work within The Club. We are there to support Club members, and as much as we can, we are staying positive. It is hard to have any rational thoughts about the future and to make important decisions, but as usual, we will make strides towards our long term and medium term strategic decisions. The time will come, once again, for amazing volleyball spectacles.” concluded Luszcz.

„Stay at home and stay safe” is the mantra for all involved with IBB Polonia London. Everyone is trying to maintain their physical and mental fitness, looking after themselves and their loved ones and to keep volleyball in mind.

„Suspending the season, seems the only sensible decision. We were on an incredible journey together, favourites to win multiple trophies, but I understand that health and wellbeing of all volleyball lovers is the biggest objective. I miss training and games and when the virus has passed, I will look forward to the next volleyball adventure. Of course, volleyball entertains me every day. We have a pretend net in the living room and I play with my son using a balloon. In my spare time, I watch old matches involving the Polish National Team or the Champions League. I am trying, as best I can, to stay in shape and do some training at home.” said Team Captain of IBB Polonia London Bartosz Kisielewicz.

“It is a shame that we can’t conclude the season, because we put ourselves in a really strong position to win the League Championship. We had good results against the other teams in the Top 5. However, I think the decision was completely justified and in moments like these, there are much bigger things in our lives and also the lives around us than Volleyball right now. We have an example of how things could end up in other countries and without proper social distancing measures, which include stopping gatherings such as our Volleyball commitments, then we could be in situations where people in higher-risk demographics can be affected. We are advised to live in an isolated environment, so the situation needs a bit more self-discipline, to maintain some physical conditioning and fitness. I’m not the biggest fan of running, but it’s something that I’ve tried to incorporate into my life now to maintain some fitness during this time. I’m also planning to make use of the grass area outside my flat to exercise and hopefully, the sun starting to shine can help with that!” said Aden Tutton, IBB Polonia London receiver and ex-Olympian for Australia.

Pic. sandsphotos.co.uk