The Nakasi community came alive yesterday as the Nakasi Youth Volleyball tournament kicked off at the Qeledamu court in the neighbourhood.
The one-off tournament, organised by the Genesis club — a group of former Nakasi volleyball representatives — in partnership with the Nakasi Volleyball Association, aims to keep youths engaged and active in the sport.
Seru Ramakita, an executive of the Genesis club, shared insights into the tournament’s objectives.
“This program was brought up to keep our youths engaged and active in volleyball as we build up to the new season,” Ramakita said.
“We want to support the Nakasi Youth Volleyball Association in their aims, especially with a tournament coming up in June that the players are looking forward to.”
The Genesis club is also focused on creating visibility for the sport in Nakasi and has been actively seeking assistance to upgrade the Qeledamu court, which is currently an open field without proper concrete courts or facilities.
“We have been reaching out for help to get our courts done,” Ramakita explained.
“Upgrading the Qeledamu court is important for the future of volleyball here.”
The tournament itself featured a strong turnout, with 16 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams participating, reflecting growing interest and competition in the sport locally.
Prize-money, sourced from entry fee of $36 per team, was distributed to teams reaching the quarter-finals and beyond, with a special focus on supporting the women’s teams through to the semi-finals.
Ramakita expressed gratitude towards the Nakasi community and local government support.
“We want to thank the honourable Minister for Lands and the honourable Minister for Sports for their unexpected but much-appreciated support,” he said.
Beyond sports, the tournament is part of a wider community-focused initiative that includes life skills and wellness programs, such as drug awareness and financial literacy, ensuring that young people in Nakasi are supported both on and off the court.
The Genesis club hopes this tournament will strengthen the local volleyball scene and foster a positive environment for Nakasi’s youth.
