The third edition of the Ladies Volleyball League for a Cause concluded this past weekend with Inspire Sports Management claiming the title. The team defeated Chevrolet Acespikers in the battle for first place, overcoming a set deficit to win 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21.
In the third-place match, Enthusiastic A edged Aesthetix, winning the final two sets for a 24-26, 25-17, 27-25 victory. The day of volleyball brought a close to the league, which started in October 2014.
League matches were played every Friday at Al Bateen Secondary School between eight teams, also including Little Smarties Nursery, Able Logistics, CCB Sara Travel and Enthusiastic B.
Following the final, an awards’ ceremony was held in which prizes were given to the top four teams and the MVP of each squad.
While the players accepted their trophies and medals, they gave back all of the prize money to Ewa’a Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking – the charity which the league gives all of its proceeds to.
The evening was highlighted by Kendra Lancaster being named the “Inspirational Woman of Fitness” for 2015.
The annual event recognises female sports personalities who have inspired others in overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals.
Lancaster, a Paralympic volleyball player with one arm, won silver in the 2012 and 2008 Paralympic Games in London and China respectively in women’s sitting volleyball. She was awarded the outstanding achievement from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
“She’s done so much for the sport for volleyball this year and the league,” said Hania Kuleib, owner of Inspire Sports Management, organisers of the league.
“We nominated her because she’s agreed to go around to different schools and talk about overcoming disabilities and turning them into abilities and power.”
The past two athletes to be named “Inspirational Woman of Fitness” were Monica Seles last year and Laila Ali in 2013. Overall, Kuleib felt the league was a big success this season.
“The support and the participation is amazing,” she said. “To get one ladies team to play here in Abu Dhabi, you need 10 to 12 people, it’s something. Bringing together the teams is quite an achievement.”
