For the first time in its history 17 teams from the west will take part in the BULA Fm Marist Volleyball Tournament this week.

Chairman of the organising committee, Viliame Katia says this shows the improvement and development of volleyball in the west.

Katia says it is good to see more than a 100 percent increase in the number of teams from the west compared to last year where only 8 teams took part.

A total of 32 men’s and 16 women’s teams will take part in the two day tournament.

The tournament will be held this Friday and Saturday at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.