Event: NSSF KAVC International Tournament
Dates: 5th-7th August 2022
Venue: Lugogo Sports Complex
After a two-year hiatus caused by Covid-19 disruptions, the NSSF KAVC International tournament is back and this year’s edition which is the 24th will run from 5th-7th August 2022 at Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala.
The tournament was launched on Wednesday, 20th July by representatives from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda, Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club (KAVC) and Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF). The exercise took place at Cooper Chimney Restaurant in Lugogo.
KAVC President, Hamza Lubwama said that many teams from across the East African region will grace this year’s edition as it’s been the case in the past. Most of these teams have confirmed their attendance and participation.
“Having foreign teams in the tournament gives us a bigger vision for the future and that is why we plan to go continental very soon…this is a testament to the growth that the tournament has experienced over the last 24 years, and a sign of better times ahead,” Lubwama said.
Lubwama further thanked NSSF for its commitment to the tournament, its players and fans over the years, both through cash donations and other forms of support.
He added that the sponsorship will be used to support the ongoing preparations for the tournament such as hiring competition venues, purchasing of technical equipment and publicity.
NSSF Public Relations Manager, Victor Karamagi noted that the tournament is a big platform for volleyball players to exploit their careers and that’s why they have been on board for over a decade now.
“The NSSF KAVC tournament exposes Ugandan volleyball players to the international volleyball scene by giving them a platform to showcase their talents, facing off with players and teams from across the region. Our continued support is a demonstration of the commitment of the Fund to the development of sports in Uganda, among various youth initiatives supported by NSSF,” Karamagi added.
Several Ugandan players have used the tournament as a launchpad for international sports careers, such as Daudi Okello in Turkey and Cuthbert Malinga playing for Marek Union-Ivkoni in Bulgaria, Sharon Amito with UTB-Rwanda and Ronald Kitusi and Emma Kato who play for Kirehe Club in Rwanda.
“We are very proud of the Ugandan athletes and sportspeople that have been recognised for their immense talent through this tournament and then gone on to raise our flag high on the international stage. For us, this is yet another way through which we show more and more Ugandans that a professional career in sports is possible while encouraging all those in the sports fraternity to adopt a savings culture to secure their future.” Karamagi said.
UVF President Sadiq Nasiwu said that the federation is very proud of the tournament because of the high level of competition that it brings out amongst competitors.
“The federation has always been in partnership with KAVC to ensure that this event is successful. This is a UVF activity calendar event and its success is ours as well,” Nasiwu added.
Meanwhile, a Primary Schools championship served off the tournament over a week ago at Namugongo Secondary and Vocational School. Finalists, Sunrise and Samaritan Primary Schools will face-off during the finale at Lugogo.
Apart from NSSF who are the title sponsors, other partners for the event are; Pepsi, Ministry of Health and Pallisa Agro Processor Limited.
