The 30th edition of Dr. Aporu Okol International Memorial Volleyball tournament has registered a slight increase in the number of teams participating.

The three-day tournament that rolled off Friday 14 and ends on the 16th has registered 25 clubs, 6 corporates, 14 secondary schools, and 20 primary schools.

The annual event organised by the Uganda Volleyball Federation, Eastern Uganda Volleyball Association, Kumi District Volleyball Association, and Spike International (sponsor) in partnership with the National Council of Sports is in memory of the fallen volleyball icon Dr. Aporu Okol.

Some of the teams in action at Boma grounds in Kumi

Cissy Opede, the chairperson of the Kumi District Volleyball Association said they have recorded an increase in the number of teams that are expected to take in primary, secondary, corporate, and club categories.

“I want to thank schools, clubs, Universities, and Corporate teams that have turned up for this year’s edition, because the number has increased, and my special thanks go to South Sudan teams that have joined others in the championship,” she said. 

Vincent Ingurat, the chairperson of the Eastern Uganda Volleyball Association said that the coming in of Spike International as the major sponsor has boosted the championship.

According to Ingurat, the South Sudan Volleyball Club that lifted the Men’s trophy will have to defeat Uganda teams such as SKY, KCB, Nkumba University, NEMO Stars, UCU, and Kumi University, among others teams to retain the trophy.

Some of the teams in action

In other categories, Zana High School and Ngora High School took the secondary schools’ trophies for boys’ and girls’ categories, while in the primary categories, Bazaar and Kumi boys won the primary school’s trophies for boys and girls.

The state minister of Sports Peter Ogwang is expected to grace the closure of the championship tomorrow at Kumi Boma grounds.

Winners in the tournament will walk away with certificates and trophies.