The International Training Institute (ITI) successfully hosted a one-week Village Volleyball Tournament for the Motu-Koita villages from November 20 to November 25 at the Taurama Aquatic Indoor Complex Center in Port Moresby.
The ITI Village Volleyball Tournament started in 2017. It ran smoothly for two years and was halted in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament resumed in 2023 after a three-year hiatus.
As part of its community engagement and social responsibility, ITI is happy to assist the athletes of the Motuan coastlines, especially in the sport of volleyball.
The four Motuan villages who participated in the one-week tournament were Vabukori, Kirakira, Hanuabada and Tatana. A total of 64 teams took part in the tourney.
In the Men’s Grand Final, Mix Brothers of Vabukori defeated Ankit of Hanuabada with a 2-1 set to claim the title. The Champions walked away with K3, 000 prize money, while the Runners-up received a consolation prize money of K2, 000.
Vabukori men’s coach Barry Mauri was happy for his boys, although it was a tightly contested match that went down to the wire. He credited Ankit for putting up a spirited fight against his side.
“I feel happy for the boys and enjoyed the game as well. Our opponents played strongly, giving us a good challenge. We gave our best and they gave their best too, but we were lucky to get the win,” coach Mauri said.
“We give thanks to God for this win. Through God’s guidance and strength, we were able to win the grand final.”
For the Women’s Division, Huva Sisters of Vabukori edged Koita of Hanuabada to clinch the title. The Champions received a K3, 000 prize money, while the Runners-up collected a consolation prize of K2, 000.
The two teams who came in third place for both men’s and women’s divisions also received a consolation prize of K1, 000 each.
ITI Corporate Marketing Manager, Rose Semi was happy with her organizers for pulling off a successful tournament and looks forward to supporting and hosting the event again in 2024.
“This is part of ITI’s social obligation. It’s a community service for us and we are doing this for the people,” Semi said.
“This is only for fun. We just use our time in productive ways. The players and the Motu-Koita villagers are very happy that ITI is supporting this event.
“I thank the organizers for hosting a successful tournament. We hope to run this tournament every year.”
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