Blue, Gold & Blue Schools Volleyball Championship 2017 underway this weekend

The 11th edition of the Blue, Gold and Blue Western Province Invitation Schools Volleyball Championship 2017, organised by the Royal College Volleyball Advisory and Management Committee (RCVAMC) under the patronage of the Royal College Union, will get underway on 24 and 25 June at the Royal College grounds in Reid Avenue, Colombo.

This competition has gained immense popularity among top volleyball-playing schools in the Western Province with schools looking forward to booking a place in it. The tournament will be conducted in three age groups for boys – Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 with an Under-19 category for girls. As the host school Royal College with the RCVAMC has so far opened the doors for 100 teams from over 50 schools from throughout the Western Province. 

The organisers of the two-day event, the RCVAMC, said: “Our main objective is to conduct a quality volleyball schools’ tournament, thereby uplifting the standard of this national sport. At the same time, we want to promote this game both at the national and college level. Since its formation in 2005, we have come a long way with this tournament and the 11th successive year is the best testimony of this,” said RCVAM President Nermala Sarathchchndra.

The Blue, Gold and Blue Schools Volleyball Championship has become the most eagerly anticipated volleyball tournament among schools in the Western Province. 

“By today the RCVAMC has managed to transform volleyball into one of the best performing sports at Royal where the school has produced a number of outstanding junior national volleyball players in the recent past, which is a remarkable feat indeed,” he added. 

Defending champions De Mazenod College, Kandana, who are in line for their second win, will face a stiff challenge from last year’s runners-up Royal College, Colombo. The Under-16 and Under-18 championships last year were won by Gonsalvez College and Vidyartha Vishwa Vidya Peetaya respectively while Subashi Royal College and Royal College Colombo became the runners-up in their respective divisions. 

Agamathi Balika Vidyalaya, Panadura were adjudged the Ladies’ Under-20 Champions while Kehana Vidyalaya became the runners-up. The country’s topmost referees will officiate at this tournament with attractive trophies and medals on offer. Special awards for the most outstanding player of the tournament and best setter will also be on offer in both categories.   

The opening ceremony will be held on the first day, 24 June at 8.00 a.m. while the semi-finals and the finals will start from 10.30 a.m. onwards on the second day. The tournament will culminate with the awards ceremony to be held later on the final day.