Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) Black men’s team were crowned champions of the ANZAC Day Volleyball competition held last week.

The team made a strong comeback after coming in second place to Team OOPS just a week ago in the Easter In-Door Volleyball Competition.

AKKT PURPLE women’s team lost by 2 points to Bounty Spikers coming in second place at the Anzac Competition.

In addition, 16-year-old Elizabeth Akaruru received the Most Valuable player award.

AKTT head coach Jackie Rongo says she was extremely proud of the team.

In the Easter Competition, she said she was proud of AKTT BLACK for making it to the finals against Team Oops Boys, which consisted of a mix of high-level players in Aotearoa and some young up-and-coming talent.

“My AKTT BLACK boys who are home-grown and extra spice added with Raitiavatea Herman who plays in Aotearoa bringing them to the next level, gave Team Ooops a run for their money in the close battle in pool play as well as in their rematch in the finals. “We certainly have more work to do to take out the championship in our local indoor tournaments.

“As Head Coach of AKTT, I'm so pleased with how development is progressing, not only for our players but for my assistant coaches.”

She acknowledged Sidney Fimone, Tuaana Mitchell, and Nicolea Mateariki for their dedication to the sport.

“With my Cook Islands Volleyball Federation Development Coordinator hat on, I'm so glad to be seeing our youth coming through and playing in the open divisions of tournaments! Volleyball development in the country is looking brighter and brighter.”

Winners of the Anzac Day- Men’s Division: 1st AKTT Black, 2nd Bunny Hitters, 3rd Bounty Spikers, 4th KB Acers. MVP- Mason (Bunny Hitters)

Easter In-Door Volleyball

Women's Division: 1st Palce - Bounty Spikers, 2nd Place - Project Five, 3rd Place - Heleva Galz

4th Place - Bunny Spikers.

- True Spirit of Sports - AKTT Pink; - Best Dress Team - Heleva Galz; - Most Hilarious Team - Kool Banana. MVP - Esther David.

Men's Division: 1st Place - Team OOPS; 2nd Place -AKTT Black; 3rd Place - Bounty Spikers

4th Place - Bunny Spikers. - Best Dressed - Team OOPS. - True Team Spirit - AKTT Black

- Most Hillarious - Down Town Fiji. MVP Male – Sopo.