The Smokefree Spike Volleyball Tournament drew 13 teams of 10, which with families and supporters swelled the turnout to several hundred at the Awamoa Park venue on Saturday.
Oamaru has the largest resident Pasifika population in New Zealand outside South Auckland and Saturday’s tournament represented the rich cultural diversity in North Otago including that of Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Practitioner community lead Alesi Druanimasi, of the Oamaru Pacific Islands Trust, said they were thrilled by the turnout.
The inaugural event built on the existing communal spirit of Pasifika communities of teamwork in a bit of friendly competition.
"We’ve got a very good mix. This is a first ... the response, it’s been massive."
"It’s about celebrating health, wellbeing and the choices we make for ourselves and those we love."
In particular it was to "remember the NZ Smokefree 2025 goal" in promoting healthy choices where "our families and communities thrive in a healthier, smokefree environment" in North Otago.
Ms Druanimasi reminded participants on Saturday the trust was there to support the community’s wellbeing on a broad level with the day being an opportunity for people to check in.
"Our health team is available today for free health checks and to register anyone keen to join our Stop Smoking Programme. You don’t have to do it alone — we will walk this journey with you."
The trust was grateful for the dozen or so local sponsors who had helped make the day possible.
brendon.mcmahon.@odt.co.nz
