Defending mixed volleyball champions InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa retained their title in the Fiji Hotel Workers Volleyball tournament at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday. Malolo Island Resort and Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa took out the women’s and mixed netball respectively. The Natadola based- team beat Radisson Blu Resort 20-13 in the final. In the semi-finals IHG beat Sheraton 17-11 while Radisson edged out GPH 17-15.

Malolo Island Resort was crowned the new winners in the women’s category beating Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa 17-15. Malolo beat neighbours Plantation/ Lomani 18-14 and Warwick beat Doubletree 21–19 in the semi-finals.

In the mixed netball Sofitel came from behind to beat Shangri-La Fijian Resort 10–7.

Association president/ founder Jack Stark said he was impressed that 82 teams participated in the one-day event.

“It’s fulfilling to see all hotel workers in the country meet and create new friendship through this tournament,” he said.

“We started with about 20 teams that year and it has grown over the years with properties from Taveuni, Savusavu, Yasawa, Mamanuca and also those in Viti Levu.”

Stark added that the tournament got off the ground in 1994 through the advice of fitness guru Epeli Lagiloa and a few others.

“We are looking at taking the tournament to Labasa next year but we have to see the logistic aspect of it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the men’s competition surprise pack Ratu Kini was to play defending champion Naviti Resort in the final when this edition went to press last night.

This was after Ratu Kini beat IHG 20-17 while Naviti edged out Port Denarau 19-18.