National sports pay tribute to volleyball maestro

 In moving scenes at Vabukori village, Central, on Saturday, members of the Vabukori Amateur Volleyball Association (VAVA) and PNG Amoa men’s and women’s sides farewelled national coach and respected mentor Tommy Lui Kila.

After the funeral service, Kila’s body was taken around the village volleyball court before being laid to rest beside his house. 

The late Kila was not only a volleyballer but dedicated Christian, musician and composer and many of the songs he composed were sung as a tribute to him at a packed Vabukori United Church.

PNG Olympic Committee secretary-general Auvita Rapilla, 2015 Pacific Games marketing coordinator Ken Siminji, PNG Netball Federation president Julienne Leka-Maliaki, PNG Volleyball Federation life member Andrew Ikufu, secretary Kila Oli and the volleyball fraternity as well as the community in Vabukori said good bye.

Kila’s death is a blow to VAVA and the Amoa but it is hoped the players and officials can regroup for the Pacific Games.

Kila was recognised as one of the country’s best coaches for his efforts in volleyball. This resulted in a multiple national championship titles for VAVA, as well as a gold medal at the Pacific Mini Games last year and two gold medals at the Arafura Games (2009, 2011).

Team PNG chef de mission Richard Kassman paid tribute to Kila’s coaching nous, saying Kila called the shots that earned the country the gold medal from Wallis  and Futuna.