Registration for the upcoming Namaka Sevens and volleyball tournament has been extended due to a rescheduling of the event dates. The volleyball matches are set to take place on January 17-18, while the rugby sevens will occur on January 24-25 at the Namaka Public School in Nadi. The change aims to prevent any conflicts with the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s scheduled for next week at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu reported that since the launch of the event last Friday, half of the participating teams had already registered. For the volleyball tournament, there are three categories planned: 24 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams, with a target of 16 mixed teams. Six volleyball courts will be available for the competitions.
In rugby sevens, only senior men’s and women’s teams are invited, with an expected participation of around 24 men’s teams and eight women’s teams. While the inclusion of an under-20 category hasn’t been confirmed yet, interest has been growing in recent days. The schedule anticipates about 53 games for men and 23 for women.
This will mark the inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens tournament, described as a back-to-back sporting festival. Tadranu noted that the tournament aims not only to promote sports but also to bring together local and international teams, with the logo reflecting Nadi’s tourism identity.
The purpose of the tournament is to provide a platform for youth to showcase their talents and to foster community engagement. Tadranu expressed the hope that the Namaka Sevens will evolve into an annual event, attracting teams from various locations.
Several volleyball teams, including Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club, Nadi Police, and Mana Island Resort, along with rugby clubs like Airport rugby and Naduniu from Nakavu village, have already registered.
Arvin Kumar, head teacher of Namaka Public School, shared the enthusiasm of the school community for hosting the tournaments, believing it to be an opportunity for partnership and community building.
The tournaments are organized collaboratively by West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community.
Registration fees have been structured as follows: rugby sevens for men will be $500 and for women $400, while volleyball fees are set at $300 for men, $200 for women, and $250 for mixed teams. Prize money is also on offer, with rugby 7s winners receiving $5,000 for men and $2,500 for women, while volleyball winners will vie for $2,000 for men, $1,000 for women, and $1,500 for mixed teams.
This venture not only strengthens community ties but also highlights the importance of sports in youth development, creating an optimistic outlook for the future of sporting events in the region.
In summary, the Namaka Sevens and volleyball tournament represents a unique opportunity to foster athletic talent and community spirit in Nadi, paving the way for potential annual festivities that celebrate sports and local culture.
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