The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament has been extended. This adjustment comes in light of rescheduling the tournament dates. The volleyball matches are now set for January 17-18, while the rugby sevens competition will take place on January 24-25, both at Namaka Public School in Nadi.
Biu Tadranu, the tournament coordinator, explained that the rescheduling is meant to prevent any overlap with the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens taking place the following week at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Since the launch, which occurred last Friday, about half of the participating teams have already registered.
The volleyball tournament will feature three categories: a mix of 24 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams, along with a target of 16 teams for the mixed category. Six courts will accommodate the volleyball games. In terms of rugby sevens, only senior men’s and women’s categories will be available, with aspirations of around 24 men’s teams and eight women’s teams participating. Although there is much interest in introducing an Under-20 category, it has not yet been confirmed.
Tadranu noted that this is the inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby 7s tournament, promoting it as a “back-to-back sporting festival.” The event’s logo features an airplane, resonating with Nadi’s reputation in the tourism sector. The aim is to draw both local and international teams, providing a platform for youth to showcase their talents, with aspirations to establish the event as an annual feature.
Several volleyball teams, including Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club, Golden Jet, Nadi Police, and various resorts such as Mana Island Resort and Tanoa International Hotel, have already signed up. Similarly, rugby teams including Airport Rugby and Naduniu from Nakavu village are participating.
Arvin Kumar, the head teacher of Namaka Public School, expressed excitement about hosting the tournament. He indicated that the partnership between the school and the community could help to unify them and pave the way for future collaborations.
The tournaments are the result of a partnership between West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community, which was officially launched last Friday at the school.
Registration fees are set at $500 for men’s rugby teams and $400 for women’s teams, while volleyball fees are $300 for men’s, $200 for women’s, and $250 for mixed teams. Prize money for the winners includes $5,000 for the men’s rugby champion and $2,500 for the women’s winner, along with $2,000 for the men’s volleyball champion and $1,000 for the women’s winner, and $1,500 for the mixed volleyball champions.
This event not only showcases sporting talent but also strengthens community bonds, providing a hopeful outlook for future engagements and tournaments in the area.
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