Fiji, Mana top Hotel Workers Volleyball competition
From 8 hotels in 1990 the volleyball tournament has grown to accomodate 22 hotels, says president Jack Stark
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort won the mixed netball competition of the Fiji Hotel Workers Volleyball tournament at Subrail Park, Labasa on Saturday.
They beat Sheraton 11-8 in the final. Fijian Resort team manager Salote Boila said: “We feel so good, we are delighted and excited because we really worked hard in terms of our preparation and to come all the way to Labasa.”
“Only seven of us came for the tournament which means we had only one team and that is for the mixed netball.
“Going back with a trophy makes us feel proud.” Meanwhile, the Ratu Kini Dream Team of Mana Island Resort and Spa won the men’s volleyball whilst their women’s team also took top honours.
BIGGER AND BETTER
The tournament was hailed a success by Fiji Hotel Workers Volleyball president Jack Stark.
“We started late because we had forgotten the ball and the net inside a taxi which we managed to get back,” he said.
“It was raining for most of the day but it did not stop us from carrying on with the tournament.”
He said since 1990 the tournament has grown bigger over the years. “We had a humble beginning of having eight teams from Warwick, Naviti, Shangri-La’s Fijian, Regent, Sheraton, Treasure Island and Mana Island.
“It has grown bigger with 22 hotels participating in the volleyball and netball making up 58 teams altogether. It’s good to see Marriott participating at this year’s tournament, knowing that they just opened.”
Stark also acknowledged all hotel and resort management for allowing their workers to be part of the competition.
“Also to our sponsors for without their support this tournament would not have been a successful one.
“To the villages that did an amazing job in taking good care of the participants, hats off to them for an amazing job. This is the only time that all tourism organisations gather together in sports to socialise and exchange ideas and also do networking as well.”