50 teams for volleyball meet
MORE than 50 teams will be competing in the Hot Bread Kitchen Easter Volleyball competition that kick starts tomorrow.
This was confirmed by Fiji Volleyball Federation chief executive officer Kemueli Naiqama.
“Each affiliated association is expected to fill three men’s and three women’s senior teams and one men’s and one women’s for the under-19 grade.
“Therefore, a total of 42 senior teams and 14 under-19 teams,” he said.
Naiqama said they were expecting an exciting tournament this time around because there would be an under-19 grade in the three-day event for the first time.
“The under-19 grade is expected to be very competitive with lots of excitement. This will be held annually.
“The senior competition will be more competitive since Mid Central have been consistently winning the men’s division and Suva for the women’s division in previous years.”
He also mentioned the federation will use this tournament and other upcoming competitions to select their national sides to the Oceania competition which will be held later this year in New Caledonia.
“Yes, the Oceania competition will be held towards the end of this year, most probably in October in Noumea, New Caledonia.
“Fiji volleyball will use such tournaments, similar to HBK Vulaca and Vanua Challenge, to identify talented players suitable for national representation.”
He once again thanked the Hot Bread Kitchen for sponsoring the tournament and is calling out to fans and volleyball lovers to come out in numbers and support their respective teams.
“We are also thankful to Fiji Sports Council for availing the Vodafone Arena facilities for the tournament.”