Volleyball federation records remarkable recovery

By Fred Nangoli UGANDA Volleyball Federation (UVF) was one of the sports bodies that registered a remarkable success in the just concluded season. Apart from the daily financial constraints, UVF held major tournaments and has successfully concluded the fully packed calendar. Like many other disciplines, the 2000 volleyball was all about Old Kampala Deaf, KAVC and KCC clubs. While KAVC started the season well when they lifted the Makerere Open in May, Old Kampala deaf club proved most outstanding when they added Uganda's name on the African volleyball chart by lifting the East and Central Africa Schools Championship in Moshi, Tanzania. The deaf club its self also recognised the Moshi win by holding a successful event in October cod-named the Deaf Volleyball tournament. Mukumu Girls from Kenya lifted the girls trophy when the two-day event ended at Old Kampala SS. The international tournament also featured Ugandan teams, Nabisunsa and Namagunga that finished in second and third positions in the girls' category. The famous Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial tournament in June was another event that registered the highest foreign entrants ever in Ugandan volleyball. Thirteen Kenyan teams took part and walked away with the trophy after Mukumu beat Nabisunsa in the final. Mano House Secondary School also from Kenya walked off with the boys title. UVF general secretary Joseph Opio Ekodeu attributed the success of the season to schools whose teachers have always responded immediately with teams whenever called. "I recommend school teachers who have taken emphasis in seeing the game succeed,' said Opio. He said teachers played a commendable role by moulding teams and taking part in volleyball courses and seminars. Opio said success recorded was due to total commitment by stake holders. "We managed to go through the season on voluntarism, many of our sponsors like National Council of Sports (NCS) do not give much." The federation, according to Opio, will solicit funds from donors and the International Volleyball Federation next seasons. Mechanism like registration of clubs and membership fees will help boost the federation, according to the official. UVF also plans to introduce a new kind of competition next year code-named Park volleyball from late February. Opio said the new game will provide leisure for the working class and would partly raise funds to support UVF to greater successes. Summary: Makerere Open, (clubs and schools). July: East and Central Club championship in Moshi June: Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial Cup. East and Central Club championship. National post primary tourney in Jinja Primary school Volleyball in Iganga December: Club championship, (Yet to end this Saturday.) October: Independence cup in Soroti, Nkumba Open at Nkumba University Luwero Open. Ends