FLY BUBBLES DEFEND “JAMES DONALD VOLLEYBALL CUP”
By KENNY ROMANUS, in Western Province
FLY Bubbles have successfully defended the North Fly MP James Donald Volleyball Cup after defeating Drimdamasuk in the men’s grand final in Kiunga, Western Province, yesterday.
The four-day tournament concluded at the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) Forward Operating Base (FOB) courts, with the final matches followed by the presentation of the cup and prize money.
The Fly River Volleyball Association side secured its second James Donald Cup title, having previously won the competition against Drimdamasuk during the 2024 tournament staged at Drimdamasuk Village.
North Fly District Administrator Greg Isau thanked the 1RPIR personnel from Taurama Barracks who are based at FOB Kiunga for allowing the tournament to use the PNGDF courts.
“We will have a bigger one next year. Thanks to the North Fly MP James Donald and his DDA board for sponsoring the tournament every year,” Mr Isau said.
Mr Isau said the continued support for volleyball should encourage players to remain committed to the sport.
He also called on participating men and women to organise themselves better and adopt a positive approach whenever sporting tournaments are conducted.
Mr Isau acknowledged the contributions from the tournament sponsors, including Budol Engineering Ltd, which provided uniforms and K10,000, and Kum Kama Engineering Ltd, which also contributed K10,000.
Fly River Volleyball Association president Peter Kape said participation requirements would be tightened for next year’s tournament, with only active associations expected to compete.
“We will be strict next year. Only the active associations back in their areas will participate,” Mr Kape said.
“This cup sitting here is not a councillor’s cup; it is a member’s cup, so we have to organise ourselves well in order to take part.”
Mr Kape also thanked the participating associations and teams from Iowara, Drimdamasuk, Gii and Dome for their involvement in the tournament.
Fly Bubbles took home K5,000 and the men’s championship cup, while Drimdamasuk received K2,500 as runners-up.
In the women’s division, Gii were crowned champions and received K5,000, with Fly River Bubbles taking K2,500 as runners-up.
Other participating associations received K2,000 each in recognition of their participation and efforts throughout the competition.
Despite the prolonged dry conditions affecting the province and other parts of the country, players turned out for the tournament and demonstrated sportsmanship throughout the competition.
