Aiming high at volleyball awards
Their vision for the next two years is to establish formal school leagues and take volleyball to the rural wards
Some said it was like the LORUS Sports Awards, some said it was like the FIFA Awards and others said it was like the Academy Awards, but it was the Emnambithi Volleyball Association’s (EVA) Inaugural Awards. The general consensus was that this is the first time a sports federation has hosted an awards function of such high standard.
On Saturday evening, a packed hall at ML Sultan Primary School witnessed volleyball clubs affiliated to EVA being rewarded for their achievements in the 2013 and 2014 season. In his address, EVA president Gordon Kathan indicated that his organisation is only two years old, but can be proud of its achievements thus far. They have managed to affiliate 14 clubs and have hosted over 10 different tournaments.
Their vision for the next two years is to establish formal school leagues and take volleyball to the rural wards.
He also had high praise for Lucky Maphisa and Innocent Mahlambi from Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality, and Eniel Meyer and Kershia Singh from the Department of Sport & Recreation – UThukela, for their support given to EVA over the last two years.
His highest praise on the night was for EVA secretary Avinash ‘Lolly’ Kumar for the excellent and outstanding work he has done both locally and provincially. “Ladysmith should be proud to have a sports administrator of his calibre.”
He congratulated all the clubs that received awards on the night, and also thanked all sponsors and his young executive members for the remarkable work being done.
Other speakers on the night included KZN Volleyball Association president Mr Deva Moodliar, who praised EVA for their incredible achievements in the last two years and rewarded them the status to host a provincial tournament this year.
Mr Jaybalan Mannikam from the Provincial Department of Sport & Recreation said his department was proud to be associated with an organisation like EVA because of their great achievements as a volleyball federation. He praised Mr Kathan for his leadership and asked the community to support the efforts of EVA.
The guest speaker was Mr AN Govender, who was credited as being “the father of Ladysmith volleyball”. He was highly thankful to EVA for giving him the opportunity. He introduced volleyball to many boys and girls of Ladysmith in 1986, and in 1990 launched the Ladysmith Volleyball Association (better known as LVA).
It was an emotional night for him, because he was being rewarded for his efforts in promoting volleyball in Ladysmith. He wished EVA everything of the best. The awards presentation began with a selected few being honoured with an appreciation award for going the extra mile to ensure the success of EVA over the last two years.
The night was also used to reward past members and presidents of LVA with the ‘EVA Legends Award’. EVA Legends of Ladysmith awards went to RG Reddy, AN Govender and M Padayachee.
