Volleyball players from several schools in Kuajok are receiving training in preparation for a nationwide schools tournament.

The teams are made up of 70 boys and girls. The event is taking place in Western Equatoria State capital, Yambio, next month.

Speaking to community radio Mayardit FM today, volleyball Coach Mr. Tong Yak said the training is focusing on the best players who will represent Warrap at national level.

Mr Yak said they have completed the screening of the boys and they are now working on the finalizing the girls’ selection.

He said that the sports office will identify some players from the counties of the state:

“The aim of coaching is that there will be a national school tournament competition in Yambio which needs much commitment from both side girls and boys,” said Mr Yak.

The Warrap State Ministry of Education will provide transport for the players.

Traditional beliefs interfere with the training

However, Coach Cecilia Nyaguen said that traditional attitudes sometimes mean that families are not willing to let their girls participate in sport:

“The parents believe that if your daughter joins sports, she becomes a prostitute..and that is why they don’t do practice,” she revealed.

“Practice in sport cannot break your virginity; though I’m not a virgin, it wasn’t caused by playing volleyball. this is what I tell them.’’

Ms Nyaguen encourages the girls to take up games and sport in order to acquire the skills of teamwork and strength.

Writer: Aguer Atem Barac