Kiunga set sight on higher finish

By LESLIE OMARO
KIUNGA Volleyball Association (KAVA) touched down in the capital city yesterday vowing to improve on their 2008 national championship efforts.
The 2011 Digicel National Open and U21 Volleyball championships which will be played across six locations: Taurama Leisure Centre, Kirakira Village, Vabukori village, Tatana village, Murray Barracks and the Gerehu Recreation Facility.
All venues will host men’s and women’s matches leading up to the grand finals which will be held at the Taurama Leisure Centre.
A workforce of 80 technical officials will coordinate the matches supported by Vabukori Amateur Volleyball Association, NCDVA, Fairfax and Tatana associations.
This year NCDC has also come on board with funding for the championships which will go towards the use of equipment, venue hire, transport, meals for officials and other costs during the four-day tournament.
KAVA arrived with only two teams (men’s and women’s open) but coach Nomi Irau was optimistic about their campaign which starts tomorrow.
“Our preparations have been very good and we are representing our association with two teams.
“The women’s side finished in the semi-finals three years ago when the championships were also played in Port Moresby and we are looking to better that result,” Irau said.
Irau also thanked the Kiunga district administrator Manase Domonai for assisting KAVA with K26,000 for the championships.
The KAVA squad: (men) Auki Nelson, Steven Andy, Ricky Allan, Maino Kila, Ben Walo, Morris Koso, Kimi Aisi, Kepson Gruabi, Steven Sari, Karung David, Nao Kolou, Joseph Tepua, (women) Marie Nelson, Tania Irau, Karo Nelson, Juliya Katie, Nuda Katie, Angella Ukins, Maina Psene, Iga Nelson andWendy Thadily.
Popondetta, Sohe and Tabubil volleyball associations also arrived yesterday while Huon Gulf arrived on Monday.
NCDC social services manager Kila Dick gave an update on the logistical preparations when confirming the arrival of the teams.
“We are providing all pick-up arrangements as well as looking after all accreditations and we are open from 8am till midnight.
“We are doing this in support of the PNG Volleyball Federation in ensuring the national championships are run professionally.
“We have provided one 25-seater and two 15-seater buses and we will also be providing drop-off for teams flying out after the championships,” Dick said.