The organising committee of the 2016 Oceania Volleyball Championship has confirmed that Fiji will host next month’s event.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, organising committee chairman, Nemani Vuniwaqa said the Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou has been briefed about the event and hopes that it would be taken up to Parliament.

Vuniwaqa indicated that the championship would be held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

“Negotiations have already been underway with the Fiji Sports Council and they have agreed to the date of the championship, which is from May 2-7.

“Now it’s just about having the fund to secure it. We’ve already spoken to some not really going to reveal them but have already raised their hands.”

He said hosting the championship is a good sign as this could show the world that such a country like ours, who suffered a monster cyclone, could still host an international event.

“Knowing time is very limited the committee has partnered with Fiji Volleyball Federation in hosting the Oceania Volleyball championship. The Oceania Volleyball Federation consists of 22 confirmed countries. Until today eight countries have said yes to take part in the championship and that excludes New Zealand and Australia. We still have yet to hear from Papua New Guinea.”

Vuniwaqa added that at the moment the committee is focused on having all mechanisms in place.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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