Shrieks of laughter, groans of dismay and cheering resounded through Pembroke Park last week (Friday December 27) as grass volleyball courts were populated by families, friends and strangers in Volleyball Otago’s inaugural Volley Fest 2024.

The event attracted a good number of supporters and cheering onlookers, and 15 teams played - with a variety of skill - on six courts from 9:00am until around 3:30pm, with spot prizes offered by local business sponsors being awarded throughout the competition.

It was the first time the fun festival, an initiative of Volleyball Otago, had been held in Wānaka and the venue on the grass between the Skate Park and the Dungarvon Street car park worked well, Volleyball Otago chair Renee Flockton said.

Rennee said Dunedin-based Volleyball Otago had wanted to “get out into the regions”, raising the awareness of Volleyball Otago and promoting the sport for some time but found it difficult to coordinate.

But with a new operations manager, Zoe Flockton (something of a family affair), they made it happen this year “which is so awesome,” Rennee said.

“It's really about wanting to get exposure for volleyball, making sure everyone has fun, but also giving families something they can all enjoy because this time of year is all about family,” she said.

Six grass courts, and a seventh practice court, were set up for the volleyball competition on Pembroke Park.

And it certainly seemed to attract a lot of families, many from Dunedin on summer holiday, but also others who saw the competition unfold and wanted to participate, including two college volleyball players from the USA enjoying the sun on Pembroke Park.

“We were lucky; the weather gods were kind,” Rennee said.

She said they had no expectations of how many players might turn up for the competition but were very happy with 15 teams.

“Next year, we want to double it.”

PHOTOS: Wānaka App