THE recently introduced once-a-month combined water sporting event, Kokonut Cup is gaining momentum as youths turn in numbers to compete in the games.

Yesterday’s second round of competition was exciting as a new inclusion ‘water polo’ is added to the swimming and canoe race.

Contestants mainly young people involved in intense swimming, canoe racing and the water polo.

The games started off at 12pm with swimming, water polo game and canoe racing before finishing at 3:30pm.

The competition which started Sunday March 5 was initiated by JICA Volunteers Yukie Miyano and Sho Yonahara with the support of VA’A Federation, NOCSI and Solomon’s Swimming and Triathlon Association.

Swimming involve Freestyle by 50meter and Super sprint 25meter for under – 14, under – 18, and open category for men and women. 20 people participate in each category.

“Canoe race will involve a 100meter open race for a group of 20 people, in male and female category.

Water polo involve a team made up of six players battling in the water to score goals by throwing the ball into their opponent’s goal.

JICA Volunteer Yukie Miyano said “For swimming, we will look for a potential candidate who will have the chance to participate in the Tokyo Olympic 2020 during these series of competition.

“And for Canoe, we are going to assemble cooperative and patient people to participate in the Pacific Games in 2019 and 2023, and I want local people to come and join.”

The event is held in the first Sunday of every month. It continues Sunday 7 May.

JICA volunteer Yukie Miyano said the youths really enjoyed the games.

Ms Miyano said such sporting activity can lead to good health.