Danny’s

PAKENHAM’S Danny Lautolo has no doubt sport can change a young life.
Lautolo is a father-of-seven and the founder of the old Dandenong Boxing Club, which has provided a refuge for young men of all cultural backgrounds since opening in the early 1990s.
Now Lautolo has a new project. His desire to get local youths off the streets was the trigger for the inaugural Multicultural Cup volleyball tournament, which will be held at the State Volleyball Centre in Dandenong in November.
The idea is to bring youths together from across the Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong municipalities in a bid to uncover some hidden sporting gems. The tournament, to be run in conjunction with Volleyball Victoria and the City of Greater Dandenong Council, is scheduled for Melbourne Cup weekend, 1 and 2 November.
Entry is open to players of all ages and skill levels, with prize-money offered for the top four teams in the men’s and women’s divisions.
Volleyball Victoria officials will select an all-star team from each division at the completion of the tournament, with chosen players given the opportunity to further prove their ability in a match against an elite Victorian club or school team.
Lautolo is excited about the amount of interest the idea has already generated, as well as the social and personal benefits for young players.
“Even if we can grab one kid from the street and they go all the way to represent Victoria – that’s a huge thing,” he said.
“We think it’s going to be very positive and we’re asking all different ethnic communities to get involved.”
Lautolo, who was born in Samoa, said not enough is being done to address the social problems faced by fellow Polynesians and youths of many other cultural backgrounds.
“There’s so many kids on the streets, so we can’t just sit back, we have to do something,” he said.
The event has already gained the support of his church, Narre Warren’s Victory Worship Centre, and some generous local businesses.
Lautolo is also welcoming support from any other businesses, organisations or individuals, and can be contacted on 0410 753 929 for registrations or more information.