Top volleyball teams converged on the Delainavesi Volleyball Court for the inaugural Ratu Sukuna Day Volleyball Tournament, held yesterday. This much-anticipated event is being organized for the first time in the Delainavesi community, attracting an impressive cohort of 12 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams.
Organizer Biu Tadranu articulated the tournament’s central goal: to unveil youth talent while promoting sports development, as well as addressing pressing social issues such as substance abuse and crime within the community. The tournament comes at a pivotal moment, marking the first access for the local youth to a volleyball court in years.
“This venue is immensely significant for the youth,” Tadranu noted. “It allows them to engage in sports right in their neighborhood, making it easily accessible.” He expressed a vision to host a community tournament that appeals not just to local youth but also invites larger teams to participate and showcase their skills, providing local athletes exposure to competitive play.
Participating teams include notable names like USP, Magics, Rebels, and Army, who have previously scored victories in tournaments, ensuring that this year’s competition will be fiercely contested. The vibrant community spirit was palpable, with spectators filling the stands and enjoying the numerous food stalls set up to complement the event.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Tadranu thanked the Delainavesi Youth community, as well as the Lami town council and Lami Police Station, for backing the tournament’s vision. In addition, the tournament offers substantial incentives, with prizes of $2,000 for winners and $1,000 for runners-up in both the men’s and women’s categories.
This tournament exemplifies a growing trend emphasized in similar grassroots events across Fiji, such as the Vesida Grassroots Volleyball tournament, which highlighted youth engagement in sports as a countermeasure to rising substance abuse. It reflects a shared commitment across communities to foster healthier environments through athletic participation. Overall, such initiatives symbolize a hopeful stride toward enhancing community cohesion and supporting the development of youth through sports.
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