Ten Year 7 and 8 girls represented Torres Strait Kaziw Meta in the Far North Queensland Junior Schools Cup.
As the only team representing a boarding house rather than a school, the girls made history and were Kaziw Meta’s first-ever volleyball team to travel to Cairns to compete in a tournament.
With more than six months of dedicated training and preparation under their belt, the young Torres Strait Kaziw Meta team represented Zenadth Kes with pride, finishing with two wins and two draws and placing an impressive fifth out of 14 teams.
Coach Uncle Levi Dugger said the girls embodied Kaziw Meta’s values from start to finish.
“For every player, it was their first carnival, and they played with courage and respect well beyond their years,” Uncle Levi said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these girls, they stepped onto the court and lived up to our team values; to be organised, encouraging and respectful,”
“They represented Kaziw Meta and the Torres Strait with pride, showing that with hard work and commitment they can achieve amazing things,”
“This is hopefully just the beginning. We’re excited to see where their volleyball journey takes them next,” he added.
The team’s presence was felt both on and off the court, as they showcased the strength, resilience, and unity that define the Zenadth Kes spirit.
Spectators and competitors alike praised the team’s sportsmanship and energy.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore said the achievement reflected the growing strength and confidence of Kaziw Meta’s future Torres Strait leaders.
“Our Kaziw Meta junior girls should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved through consistent training and their strong performance at the tournament,” Mr Dunsmore said.
“Creating real opportunities for Torres Strait Islander youth to showcase their raw sporting talent builds confidence and opens doors for the future,”
“This remains a core focus for our boarding community, and we look forward to expanding these opportunities,”
“A mina big eso to Uncle Levi Dugger for his expertise and ongoing commitment to the team; he has coached every week to prepare the girls and organised the entire trip, including sponsorship, logistics, flights, accommodation and meals. It would not have happened without him. We thank him for creating this opportunity for our Kaziw Meta boarders,” he added.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta extends heartfelt gratitude to the tournament’s host Smithfield State High School and a mina big eso to the sponsors who made this journey possible: Hinterland Aviation, TSYRSA, CEQ, Adam Seekee Constructions, EMVER Partners, and Torres Shire Council.
