The Rooster Chicken End of the Year Volleyball Tournament showcased the Heartland Warriors as a notable team among over 40 competitors in a heartfelt display of camaraderie and resilience.
Throughout the tournament, the Warriors wore black armbands as a poignant tribute to a teammate’s child, baby Susana, who recently passed away. Team captain Sally Aitcheson expressed the significance of the armbands, highlighting the deep connection the team shared with baby Susana.
“Whenever we have competitions, we always have camp, so baby was always brought to camp, and we were all attached to baby Susana. This competition kind of brought us back together. We made up our mind to come back together and dedicate all our games to her,” Aitcheson shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of their return to competition in such difficult circumstances.
Despite the grief, Aitcheson noted that baby Susana’s passing has strengthened the team’s bond, bringing them closer as they navigated their loss together. The tournament took place at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva and came to a close yesterday, marking not just a competitive event, but a moment of unity and remembrance for the Heartland Warriors.
This tribute reflects not only the team’s strength in the face of tragedy but also underscores the importance of community and support in overcoming personal hardships.