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Lewis hopes growing popularity of volleyball leads to more opportunities for youngsters continued from pg. 7 teacher who coached the Westside Volleyball Club team saw some potential and asked Lewis to come to a tryout. He missed the first practice. "Decided to hang out with some friends instead," he said. But he went to the next one and liked it. He's been playing ever since. The game took him around the country -- he earned Canadian university MVP honours in leading the University of Manitoba to the national title -- and then around the world. It hasn't always been easy. "We try to go see him play once a year, wherever he is," said his mom, Pat. "I cry when he leaves because I never know when I'll see him again. But I know it's what he loves." The fact that volleyball doesn't get as much attention as other sports, or isn't as popular as it is in Europe, doesn't bother Lewis. Volleyball is gaining in profile with Canada hosting World League matches in recent years. And the enthusiastic sellout crowds for the Pan Am Games are evidence of the sport gaining traction. Lewis hopes that momentum continues to build even if it comes after his final dig, so that players will have opportunities he never did. "When you grow up in volleyball, the last thing you care about is that image stuff. You have to learn to love it for what it is, an opportunity to play a sport you love," Lewis said. "But having said that, when you hear about people scalping tickets for volleyball, it just makes me happy, because I think about the people coming up to play later, the younger kids, and I just hope it remains an opportunity (for them). Maybe one day they won't be going to Europe to play volleyball. There might be something here for them." The reality for now, and likely for the rest of Lewis's career, will be a nomadic existence. But it's a road that led him back home for the Pan Am Games. "Sometimes you roll the dice and see where it leads to," Lewis said. "I've had a lot of good people and family support me along the way. Without them, there really would be no career for me." -- Herb Garbutt can be followed on Twitter @Herbgarbutt 11 | Thursday, July 30, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com GLEN ABBEY'S ONLY AUTHENTIC BRITISH PUB! MONDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHTS Since 1967 CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. DINE IN ONLY. 2ND ENTRÉE 50% OFF WITH THIS AD upholstery & design Mid-Century Modern,Traditional or Contemporary whatever your style.... IC LIVE MUSights n y a d Satur day and Sun ns o n r afte o ABBEY ARMS 481 North Service Rd. @ 4th Line Oakville 905-825-1109 Visit www.abbeyarmspub.ca to see our menu We can make it! Sofas · Chairs · Headboards · Throw Pillows · Drapery & Hardware 11-2345 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville · 905.616.3156 · www.baiers.ca Giving monthly is easy and cost-effective Oakville Hospital Foundation canvassers will be in your neighbourhood this summer raising awareness about our new Hospital and the benefits of monthly giving. Canvassers will accept donations on the spot using specially modified iPhones. This is a convenient and secure mobile giving method that helps us receive your urgently needed contribution as soon as possible. Join the Oak Leaf Society, our family of monthly donors, and help put essential equipment in the hands of our caregivers. Please call 905.338.4642 or visit us online at www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com to become a monthly donor. A meaningful way to say thank you every month