The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament has been extended, providing an additional opportunity for teams to participate. The tournaments have been rescheduled, with volleyball competitions set to take place on January 17-18 and rugby sevens scheduled for January 24-25 at Namaka Public School in Nadi.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu explained that the adjustment was made to avoid conflicts with the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, which will be held at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Since the launch last Friday, approximately half of the available team spots have already been filled.
The volleyball tournament will feature three categories, requiring 24 men’s and 10 women’s teams. Additionally, they hope to attract 16 teams for the mixed category and will have six volleyball courts available. In terms of rugby sevens, only senior men’s and women’s teams will participate, with a target of 24 teams for men and eight teams for women. Although an under-20 category is not confirmed, strong interest has been expressed.
Tadranu indicated that this inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens tournament serves as a back-to-back sporting festival, with a logo featuring an aeroplane that reflects Nadi’s significance in the tourism sector. The overarching goal is to create a platform for local youth to showcase their athletic talents while establishing the event as an annual tradition.
Some of the registered volleyball teams include the Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club and Mana Island Resort, while rugby teams registered thus far include Airport Rugby and Naduniu from Nakavu village. Arvin Kumar, the head teacher at Namaka Public School, expressed excitement about hosting the tournament, emphasizing the event’s potential to strengthen community ties.
The tournament is a collaborative effort between West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community, having been launched recently at the school. Registration fees are set at $500 for men’s rugby teams and $400 for women’s teams, while volleyball fees range from $200 to $300, depending on the category. The prize money promises to be enticing, with winners in various categories having the potential to receive significant rewards.
This event presents an exciting opportunity for both participants and the community, not only fostering sportsmanship but also enhancing local engagement. The continued interest from teams suggests a hopeful and vibrant future for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament, reinforcing the vital role of sports in bringing people together.
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