The registration period for the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament has been extended due to a rescheduling of the event. Volleyball matches are now slated for January 17-18, followed by rugby sevens on January 24-25, both taking place at the Namaka Public School in Nadi. This change was made to prevent scheduling conflicts with the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast Sevens occurring next week at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
Tournament coordinator Biu Tadranu reported that half of the teams have already registered since the launch last Friday. The volleyball segment will feature three categories: 24 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams, with a target of 16 mixed teams participating. Six volleyball courts are to be set up for the tournament.
In rugby sevens, there will be senior men’s and women’s categories, with aspirations for about 24 men’s and eight women’s teams to sign up. Although an under-20 category is not yet confirmed, there has been significant interest leading up to the event. In total, the organizers anticipate around 53 games for men and 23 games for women.
This inaugural Namaka Volleyball and Rugby Sevens Tournament aims to serve a larger purpose by offering local youth a platform to demonstrate their skills. Tadranu emphasized their vision of establishing this event as an annual celebration of sport, designed to draw participation from both local and international teams.
Among the registered volleyball teams are the Raiwai Eagles Volleyball Club, Golden Jet, Nadi Police, and several resorts, including Mana Island Resort and Tanoa International Hotel. Rugby team registrations thus far include Airport Rugby, Sabeto Rugby, and Naduniu from Nakavu village.
Arvin Kumar, the head teacher at Namaka Public School, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the tournament at their facility. He highlighted the value of the partnership with the community in bringing everyone together, which is essential for the school’s progress.
The tournament will be organized through a collaboration between West Event Fiji and the Waqadra Brothers Community. The registration fees for the events are set at $500 for men’s rugby, $400 for women’s rugby, and various rates for volleyball teams. Prize money for the tournaments includes $5,000 for the winner of the men’s rugby category and $2,500 for the women’s winner, alongside cash prizes for volleyball winners and a mixed category.
In summary, the Namaka Sevens and Volleyball Tournament is not only a competitive event but also an opportunity to foster community spirit and encourage youth participation in sports. With growing interest and registration, this event has the potential to enhance local sports culture and tourism, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
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