More participation expected for Deyata Kirula VB Nationals

Bernard PERERA

The third annual Deyata Kirula National Volleyball Championship to be conducted along with the Deyata Kirula Exhibition in due to commence on January 27 with a grand opening ceremony to be held at Rajasinghe MV, Ruwanwella with the participation of Deputy Minister for Finance and Chief Organiser of the Deyata Kirula Exhibition.

These details were disclosed to the media by Dilan Perera, Minister for Port Development and President of SLVBF.

The championship is organised and conducted by Volleyball Federation along with the Ministry of Education has attracted many teams from schools in the island.

The championship will be conducted in four different age groups Under-13, 15, 17, and 23, said President.

Addressing further he said on earlier occasions it was played for age groups 12, 14, 16, and 18, but this year we decided to change this with a view to give an opportunity for many emerging players to make their entry to the sport and also to continue with the sport after leaving school. He also said that the Western Province matches are to be played on January 25 and 26 at Rajasinghe MV, Hanwella due to non availability of courts.

Once the Provincial games are concluded the National level games are scheduled to begin on February 1. The finals for age groups 15, 17, and 23 will be conducted at the BMICH courts on February 5 (Under-15 Boys/Girls) February 6 (Under-17 Boys/Girls) February 7 (Under-23 Girls) and February 8 (Under-23 Boys) respectively.

Deputy Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya addressing the media said that the Volleyball Championship conducted alongside the Deyata Kirula Exhibition has gained the highest popularity among visitors to the exhibition in the past. For this the Volleyball Federation and the Ministry of Education deserves full credit and offered his thanks for both institutions.

He said the funds used for the championship is mainly through the Deyata Kirula Foundation. These funds are donations that came through various sponsors. As such all cash awards and trophies are sponsored by the Deyata Kirula Foundation said the Minister.

The winners of each category will receive the Deyata Kirula Trophies and a cash award of Rs. 50,000 while the runners-up are to take purses worth Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. Meanwhile, the winners and runners-up at Provincial levels are to receive cash awards. There will also be special individual awards on offer for men and women categories.