The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball tournament has been extended to accommodate changes in the tournament schedule. The volleyball matches are set to take place on January 17-18, while the rugby sevens will be held on January 24-25 at the Namaka Public School in Nadi.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu noted that the extension was necessary to prevent overlapping with the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Tadranu reported that since the launch last Friday, half of the teams have already registered.
The volleyball competition will feature three categories, aiming to attract 24 men’s teams, 10 women’s teams, and 16 mixed teams, utilizing six volleyball courts. In rugby sevens, only senior men’s and women’s teams will compete, with a target of about 24 men’s teams and eight women’s teams. There has been significant interest in potentially adding an Under-20 category.
Tadranu expressed that this marks the inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens tournament, which is expected to be a vibrant sporting festival reflecting Nadi’s identity as a tourism hub.
The tournaments aim to provide a platform for youth to showcase their talents, with aspirations to establish this as an annual event that attracts local and international teams. Some of the early registered volleyball teams include the Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club and Mana Island Resort, while rugby teams like Airport Rugby and Naduniu from Nakavu village have also signed up.
Namaka Public School head teacher Arvin Kumar expressed excitement about hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of community partnership.
The tournaments are organized by West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community and registration fees have been set accordingly, with prizes for both volleyball and rugby winners promising substantial rewards.
This initiative not only fosters sporting talent among youth but also strengthens community ties, showcasing the enthusiastic spirit of both local sports organizations and schools.
In summary, the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball tournament is shaping up to be an exciting event, with efforts in place to enhance participation and community involvement, promising a fun and competitive atmosphere for all involved.
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