Association kicks off week three of playoffs

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Manubada Volleyball Association tips off week three of its DataCo Cup playoffs with the semifinals at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex in Port Moresby today (10am).
Association president Kidu Morea told The National yesterday that the semifinals were scheduled for the men’s premier, women’s and men’s reserve divisions.
“We started our season at Gereka (outside Port Moresby) and we intended to host our finals at Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre,” he said.
“But the Covid-19 lockdown had forced the shutdown of the facilities there so we moved our finals to the indoor complex.
“The competition was disrupted in August due to the 14-day lockdown.
“But we established our Covid-19 protocols and submitted them to the volleyball federation before receiving approval to continue our competition.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to receive sponsorship for the season from DataCo which came in and helped all six clubs across the three divisions.”
Morea said DataCo had recognised the hard work of the players, clubs and officials in continuing the season.
Meanwhile, Morea said the association’s goal was to develop players and create opportunities for them outside of volleyball.
“We want to improve the livelihoods of the young people who play in our competition,” he said.
“Volleyball is not only a game.
“It can become a pathway to something better like getting an opportunity to further your education or find employment.
“Six of our women are attending a business and entrepreneurship course run by the City Mission and this is what we want for our players.”