The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament has been extended. This decision comes after the tournament dates were rescheduled. Volleyball matches will take place on January 17-18, and rugby sevens will follow on January 24-25, all hosted at the Namaka Public School in Nadi.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu noted that the extension aims to prevent scheduling conflicts with the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, which will be held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka next week. Since the launch of the tournament last Friday, half of the teams have already registered.
The volleyball tournament will start with three categories, featuring 24 men’s and 10 women’s teams, while they aim for 16 teams in the mixed category, utilizing six volleyball courts. For rugby sevens, only senior men’s and women’s divisions will be available, with a target of 24 men’s teams and eight women’s teams. Although the Under-20 category has not been confirmed, there has been significant interest.
Tadranu expressed excitement about hosting the inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens tournaments. He emphasized the events as a dual sporting festival, with a logo inspired by aviation, fitting for a region known for its tourism.
The aim of the Namaka Sevens is to provide youth with a platform to showcase their talents, and Tadranu hopes to establish it as an annual event that attracts both local and international teams. Several volleyball teams such as Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club and Votualevu, along with rugby teams including Airport Rugby, have already signed up.
Arvin Kumar, head teacher at Namaka Public School, shared the school’s enthusiasm about hosting the tournament, highlighting that the partnership fosters community spirit and collaboration.
The tournaments will be organized by West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community, launched at the school last Friday.
Registration fees are set at $500 for men’s rugby teams and $400 for women’s teams, with volleyball fees at $300 for men’s teams, $200 for women’s, and $250 for mixed teams. Prize money is also substantial, offering $5,000 for the men’s rugby winner and $2,500 for the women’s, along with monetary awards for volleyball champions.
This initiative not only promotes sportsmanship but also encourages community bonding and development. The upcoming tournaments present a wonderful opportunity for participants to engage, compete, and celebrate sports, paving the way for a vibrant local sporting culture.
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