Working bee for beach volleyball courts

Work to further develop the beach volleyball courts in Nikao will begin on Monday with a working bee for volleyball family and supporters at 5pm.

Since signing a lease agreement with the Cook Islands Government, through the Cook Islands Investment Cooperation, construction of two full size beach volleyball courts has been at a standstill.

In April 2011 some work was started at the Nikao site opposite the social centre and next to the national tennis courts mainly landscaping of the land, removal of concrete anchors and some mining of the sand on site.

Cook Islands Volleyball Federation President Hugh Graham admits that volleyball has struggled with this large project, in particular the lack of finance to pay for machinery and materials.

Graham says that minister of Infrastructure and Planning Teariki Heather and the staff of his ministry have been very supportive and their assistance in the project is appreciated.

Graham and some members of the executive have been keeping the area mowed, however he says that volleyball really needs to make a progressive move towards getting the courts established so that beach volleyball can be developed on the island.

With dates of the Cook Islands volleyball open now confirmed for November 5 to 10, we now need to act in getting the courts ready, says Graham.

The Cook Islands Volleyball Open Champs have already generated interest from two teams in New Zealand and one from Tahiti.

It is anticipated that 10 overseas teams (five womens and five mens teams), along with teams from the three Vaka on Rarotonga will compete in the inaugural champs which are set to be held annually.

Graham says that beach volleyball will be a feature of these champs and much interest should be generated, especially with top New Zealand Beach Volleyball player Brendon Heaths international contacts.

Heath is shortly to depart our shores to compete in the New Zealand Beach Volleyball Open at the two-day Mt Maunganui event.

Graham, on behalf of Cook Islands Volleyball, is encouraging all volleyball players and supporters and anyone interested in helping to attend the working bee at the beach volleyball courts, next to the Rarotonga Golf Club, Nikao, on Monday 30 starting at 5pm. Please bring shovels, nail racks and wheel barrows.

The working bee will involve sifting and spreading the piles of sand on the site.

For more information contact Hugh Graham on 52287.