Jump Out Yuh Bamsie

‘Jump out yuh bamsie’. Not a phrase you hear every day but one that Mark Daly was renowned for using when he needed you to make the seemingly impossible possible.

I’d like to assume that most of the international volleyball fraternity knows who Mark Daly was and why he was so loved, but for those who don’t know, Mark Daly was the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team captain who dutifully represented his country for 12 years before his untimely death in 2009. More than an athlete, he was a loving father to his daughter Kai, devoted fiance to girlfriend Kecia, beloved son and brother, dedicated coach, dependable friend, model citizen and all round inspirational individual.

If the people he left behind are even a glimmer of a reflection of the kind of person he was, there is no doubt that Trinidad has truly lost a gem.

During the 2nd annual tournament held in his honour, his former teammates are like worker bees – ensuring that everyone has their kit, helping out in the kitchen, keeping an eye out for the children at the tournament and refereeing each other’s games. ‘That’s how Mark was,’ explains T&T women’s national team captain Kelly-Anne Billingy. ‘Mark was so dedicated to this sport and was always happy to help. He never complained, never said a bad word. We really wanted to make sure that there we could establish some sort of event that would honour his contribution and keep his memory alive.’

A number of the national players attribute their involvement and dedication to Daly’s influence. Spending a day juggling coaching, mentoring and playing was apparently typical for the former national captain. Senior team members tell me he was always happy to take time out if you needed his ear – and instead of influencing a decision he would simply act as a sounding board and ensure you understood the options available and the potential ramifications associated with each.

As an athlete he was a force to be reckoned with and played with an intensity that defied his off-court persona. Never satisfied with being ordinary, he was always up to date with the latest developments in volleyball. He was a naturally talented athlete with a strong serve, strong block and the ability to frustrate the block with his foresight and consistency as an outside hitter.

When I asked Kelly if she remembered where she was when she learned of Mark’s death – her eyes couldn’t hide the pain that accompanies the memory. She remembered the date, the time of the morning, who she was sitting next to – everything. As was the case with Hollis Charles, Aisha Sealy-Morrison and Sean-Miguel Morrison.

Hollis tells me of Mark’s signature smile and cool-as-a-cucumber temperament. Aisha recalls how his eyes seemed to be able to see straight into your heart and Sean knows so much about Mark that he is probably qualified to write an autobiography.

‘For some reason, in every game he managed to jump serve either behind the antenna or hit the referee stand,’ recalls Morrison. ‘That was the only time you could get a chuckle from him on court. Apart from that, he had venom in his eyes as soon the whistle blew. Who he was on court was different from who he was off-court, though. When he wasn’t actually playing volleyball he was always willing to help out both a friend and stranger in need’.

Whether he was a mere mortal or truly an angel, Daly has definitely left a mark on all who have come into contact with him. His impact is felt at the annual tournament which despite being highly competitive, is buzzing with a type of love and respect that can only be observed – not described. Though I’ve not had the privilege of meeting him personally, I can’t help but feel that by participating in this tournament, I now have an obligation to ‘jump out meh bamsie’ and strive for excellence not just as an athlete, but as a person and I suspect that I am not the only one who senses this call of duty.