About 70 players took part in the preliminary fitness test for the Fiji Men’s Indoor Volleyball Team at the Multi-Purpose Courts in Suva, marking a significant step in the preparations for the upcoming Mini Pacific Games to be held in Palau in late June. Myron Williams, the manager of the Fiji Men’s Volleyball team, indicated that this fitness assessment was essential for finalizing the extended squad that will train for the international event.
Initially, 97 players were provisionally selected following evaluations during the Vulaca Tournament and the Western Rally. The results from this fitness test, along with previous observations of players’ skills during tournaments, will help in narrowing down a 50-member extended squad, with a focus on integrating both experienced and emerging players to foster overall team strength.
“Our objective is thorough preparation,” Williams stated, addressing the importance of building a competitive team for both the Mini Games and the following Pacific Games in Tahiti in 2027. The training will emphasize nurturing younger athletes showing promise for international representation.
This recent testing session went well, according to Williams, with the strength and conditioning coach leading the assessment alongside the head and assistant coaches. By the end of this week, the names of the five-member extended squad will be announced, which will then train over the next three months before the final team selection of 15 players is determined.
Williams also mentioned that those not selected for the final team will remain in the extended pool, allowing them to continue training and preparing in hopes of making a future impact.
The commitment shown by these athletes, along with the emphasis on developing younger talent, highlights a promising future for volleyball in Fiji. As they gear up for the Mini Pacific Games, there is hope that their training efforts will lead to success on the competitive stage, solidifying Fiji’s standing in the region’s sports culture. This proactive approach to sports development signals a bright future for Fijian athletics, fostering community pride and enthusiasm in representation at international competitions.
Leave a comment