Top teams are set to showcase their talents at the Rooster Chicken Fiji Sports Council Grassroots 7s and Volleyball tournaments, beginning at the HFC Bank Stadium and FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Among the competitors in the sevens rugby category are prominent teams such as the Army, Police, Wardens, and Yaro Chiefs.
The volleyball tournament has garnered significant interest, attracting teams not only from Viti Levu but also from Vanua Levu. Lenaitasi Vakatora, a representative from Fiji Sports Council Events, indicated that the under-20 registration was extended twice due to overwhelming demand. Initially planning to include 12 U20 teams, organizers expanded that number to 16, and further welcomed an additional four teams to accommodate the enthusiasm.
However, the tournament will have to proceed without one notable competitor, as the Devo Babas, a marquee men’s team, has withdrawn from the event. According to Vakatora, this withdrawal occurred because many of their players have migrated to another club, preventing them from fielding a team.
On the other hand, the volleyball segment of the tournament is notable for its $3,000 prize purse for the men’s champion, a substantial amount that has invigorated interest in the event. Matai Daulako, president of the Nasinu Alliance Volleyball, emphasized that this prize money is among the largest available.
Daulako’s team has collaborated with the Fiji Sports Council to host the tournament, which will see participation from three teams hailing from Vanua Levu. The action kicks off tomorrow, with entry fees set at $5 for both the HFC Stadium and the FMF Gymnasium. Spectators can also catch the rugby 7s matches live on FBC 2 over the next two days, promising an exciting display of athletic prowess and community spirit.
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