Raiwai open grade competition promotes youth advocacy

The Raiwai Open Grade Volleyball Competition kicked off yesterday with teams from across Suva competing in this year’s event.

The tournament is focused on youth advocacy, using sport to raise awareness about drug and substance abuse, responsible waste management, and making positive life choices.

Speaking to SUNsports, tournament advisor Frances Lanyon said the significance of organising this event is because many youths in Raiwai were often left idle in the past, and it led to truancy, teenage pregnancies, and substance abuse.

“We organised these extra activities for our youths, so the issues they faced could be prevented,” he said. 

“I’m very grateful for the support from the Government and NGOs.”

The event was organised by the Suva City Council (SCC) and the Raiwai Volleyball Club.

“We had an outreach program for two months last year. 

“The SCC chief executive officer was happy with the progress and requested another event during the school holidays,” he added.

“That’s why we organised this competition for our youths during this holiday season.”

The competition began on Wednesday with the Under-18 boys’ and girls’ categories. 

Yesterday’s program featured the open grades, and the finals were scheduled for today.

Raiwai is a community known for producing talented volleyball players, and organisers hoped to scout new talent during the competition. 

“We are training our future reps,” he said.

“It has been a long time since the Raiwai volleyball team was in the spotlight, but this competition is focused on our youths in both men’s and women’s categories.” 

This year’s competition included teams not only from Raiwai but also from Nadonumai, Nakasi, Nasinu, Naova and Wainibuka.