TA’AVA set for annual pre-season event

By LESLIE OMARO
TATANA Araira Amateur Volleyball Association (TA’AVA) is set to open up its new season with the staging of the annual Nick and Bonny Allan volleyball tournament.
TA’AVA president George Daere said this would be the third tournament and set to be bigger and better than the previous two.
The tournament starts next Monday ending with the finals on Jan 14.
“The tournament is held every year to welcome the start of the new season and also kick start our volleyball association programmes,” Daere said.
 “Last year a total of 40 teams took part and this year I’m expecting more than that number and the Tatana-based teams have already started their preparations and training.”
Last year, teams from TA’AVA won the Open Men’s, Open Women’s, U21 Boys and U21 Girls.
The teams were Doria (open mens), Houra (open womens), Houra (U21 boys) and Kazens (U21 girls).
Daere said some of the outside teams that would be participating were Daugo from Fisherman Island, Vanama from Konedobu, Porebada, Fong from Hanuabada and Hillside from Gerehu.
Interested teams wishing to participate in the week long tournament can call Daere who is also the tournament director on 7268 1332.
Daera also thanked sponsors who supported the TA’AVA Open men’s team to attend the 46th Good Neighborhood tournament in Canberra, Australia in November last year.
“I would like to thank the Allans for supporting the men’s team play in the tournament as well as the community for getting behind the team.
“Also thank you to the PNG community in Canberra who came to support the boys play and the high commissioner who attend the games, met the players and provided transport.”
Daere said it was an eye-opener for the Men’s team that played against volleyball teams from Australia.
“It was a privilege and a good experience for the village boys to go down there and play in a tough competition.
“Even though we did not have the height advantage the Tatana side gave their opponents a good run for their money.
“We won one game and lost three and they were very close games but unfortunately that did not qualify us to play in the finals.”