Local colleges look to serve up a storm at Volleyball Champs

The country’s top secondary schools Volleyball teams will compete in Palmerston North this week (March 30 - April 3) to serve, spike, and dig their way through the National Secondary Schools’ Volleyball Championships at Arena Manawatu.

From the opening ceremony at 6pm on Sunday night through to the finals on Friday afternoon, Arena Manawatu will be jammed packed with 1800 plus competitors. The 145 teams from around the country will compete in different grades to determine who will be crowned this year’s National Boys and Girls champion.

The opening ceremony will be lead by a Kapa Haka group from Hato Paora College which will be performing a number of traditional Maori acts, there will also be a dance group, and up and coming local artist Sio Vaelau performing as well.

This year’s Championships will see McAuley College from Auckland defend their National Girls title, and Otumoetai College from Bay of Plenty defend their National Boys title.

Seven teams from schools in the Manawatu will compete in the tournament.

Organised by Volleyball New Zealand, with assistance from Sport Manawatu, this year’s Championships should not be missed - New Zealand’s next generation of top volleyball players will be at their best.

Pam Brodie, General Manager of Volleyball New Zealand says, “The outstanding local community support this year has endorsed Volleyball New Zealand’s decision to bring our major Secondary Schools’ volleyball event back to Palmerston North. We are especially grateful to the Palmerston North City Council, Perry Foundation, The Edge, The Rock, McDonalds, Harvey Norman, Trophy Specialists & Engraving, The Coffee Club, New World, and Hell Pizza for their commitment to this event in 2009 and look forward to an outstanding week of intensive competition”.

Entry throughout the week is free, the public is encouraged to attend and see some of the best volleyball on offer this year.