This year’s Aporu Okol International Memorial Volleyball Tournament that was slated to take place at Kumi Town Boma Grounds on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2021 has been cancelled.
According to local volleyball governing body, Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF), the decision follows President Yoweri Museveni’s national address held on Sunday 6th June 2021.
President issued several directives in a bid to curb the further spread of Covid-19 pandemic which included a ban on intra-district travel both using public and private means.
“The above development heavily affects the possibility of Uganda Volleyball Federation to host the captioned event on the proposed dates of 12-13 June, 2021,” UVF said in its letter addressed to the volleyball fraternity. UVF’s missive was signed by its General Secretary Godwin Nakaana Ssennyondo.
“The purpose of this letter is to inform the Volleyball fraternity of the UVF Executive’s decision in
consultation with the family of the Late Dr. Aporu Okol; to cancel this year’s edition to safeguard all
participants from any possible exposure to the deadly Corona virus,” another part of UVF’s missive read adding that the decision has been taken in the
interest of saving lives.
ALSO SEE;
Big League: Arua Hill beat Calvary to maintain unbeaten run
Uganda Cranes final Squad for South Africa friendly revealed
Even last year’s edition of the tournament, which is the most looked out for event in Kumi Town wasn’t held due to Covid-19 disruptions.
27 editions of the tournament have been played since its inception.
Nemostars are the defending champions in the men’s club category while Nkumba University are title holders in the women’s club category.
In June 2019, Nemostars beat UCU 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 28-26, 24-26, 15-10) in the men’s club final while Nkumba beat VVC 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-21) in the women’s club final.
Ever since domestic sports activities were reinstated in September last year after about a six-month hiatus due to Covid-19 disruptions, the Aporu Okol tournament was meant to be just the third local volleyball event to be played.
Ndejje Volleyball Open officially reinstated competitive play in April this year followed by Kabale University Volleyball Open that was held a few days later.
Other local volleyball events that were lined up this year include; OBB International Tournament initially slated for 10th to 11th July at Iganga OBB Grounds CMS, KAVC International Tournament slated for 14th and 15th August at Lugogo, plus other national engagements, and the like. The league will tentatively serve off in September.
