The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament has been extended due to a change in the tournament dates. Volleyball competitions are now set for January 17-18, while the rugby sevens will occur on January 24-25. Both events will take place at the Namaka Public School in Nadi.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu explained that the rescheduling was necessary to avoid conflicts with the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens happening next week at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Since its launch last Friday, several teams have already registered, with Tadranu noting that they hope to have three categories for the volleyball tournament, striving for 24 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams, alongside a target of 16 mixed teams. There will be six volleyball courts in use.
In rugby sevens, the focus will be solely on senior men’s and women’s categories, with an aim for about 24 men’s teams and eight women’s teams. While an Under-20 category has generated interest, it remains unconfirmed at this time.
This year marks the inaugural hosting of the Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens tournaments, which Tadranu describes as a “back-to-back sporting festival” that reflects Nadi’s reputation in the tourism sector. The vision behind these events is to create a platform for youths to showcase their talents and establish this tournament as an annual event.
Several volleyball teams have already registered, including notable clubs like Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club and Mana Island Resort. For rugby, teams such as Airport Rugby and Sabeto Rugby have signed up. Arvin Kumar, head teacher at Namaka Public School, expressed excitement about hosting the tournament, highlighting the partnership’s potential to bring the community together.
The tournaments are organized through a collaboration between West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community. Registration fees are set at $500 for men’s rugby teams, $400 for women’s teams, and varying fees for volleyball teams. Prize money has also been established, promising competitive rewards for the winning teams.
This initiative not only fosters athletic spirit but also cultivates community ties, providing a promising environment for both local and international participants.
In summary, the extension of registration for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament opens the door for even more teams to join, creating an exciting opportunity for sports enthusiasts in the region. The community-driven approach and the dedication to youth development signal a bright future for this new sporting event.
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