Jekabpils Hosts Record-Breaking Mamanet Tournament

For the third consecutive year, Jekabpils, Latvia, has become the epicenter of Mamanet, a dynamic sport also known as “catch and serve the ball.” The annual international tournament, orchestrated by the local “Jekabpils Lucy” team, has witnessed unprecedented growth, with all 16 team slots filling up in a mere matter of minutes – just 28 seconds, to be exact. This year’s event saw participation from teams across the region, including a notable contingent of four teams hailing from Finland, showcasing the sport’s expanding international appeal.

Beyond Competition: Community and Empowerment at the Heart of Mamanet

While the competitive spirit is undeniable, Mamanet’s core values extend far beyond the playing field. The sport fosters a sense of community and empowerment, particularly for women over 30. This inclusive approach is a key factor in its rapid growth and popularity.

We enjoy spending time together as the energy of women when you’re on the team and playing together, we can build each other – that’s the best, says Baiba from the Naukšēni team, highlighting the supportive habitat fostered by the sport.

Baiba, Naukšēni team

Even for newcomers, the tournament offers a valuable experience.As Jakaterina from the “Wild Cats” team,a relatively new team formed just six months prior,shared:

We are not professional,we started playing together in the fall – our team is onyl half a year. They invited us to feel how to be in such a big tournament, so we are here, we are trying, but we are also scared.

Jakaterina, Wild Cats team

The presence of teams from neighboring Lithuania further underscores the tournament’s regional significance. Kristina, a member of the Utena team, emphasized the positive atmosphere and camaraderie:

Every time we are in Latvia, we feel very good because a good game is played, and it is not important if we lose because we get good emotions.

Kristina, Utena team

The Rise of Mamanet in Latvia: From Local Initiative to National Sport

The Mamanet movement in Latvia began in 2017 in Naukšēni, Valmiera County. As then, it has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a local initiative into an officially recognized sport under the Latvian People’s Sports Association. This recognition provides crucial support for the sport’s development and organization throughout the country.

The “Jekabpils Lucy” team, the driving force behind the tournament, exemplifies the unique bonds formed through Mamanet. dace, a member of the team, explained:

Jekabpils Lucy is a formation that is quite unique in general. We don’t know each other when we met. These three and a half years we have brought it together and made us get to know each other. We have a special link because we are a pretty close core that is unchanged.

Dace, Jekabpils Lucy team

Mamanet’s impact: Empowering Women and Inspiring Future Generations

While Mamanet shares similarities with volleyball in its rules, its underlying philosophy is much broader. Originating in Israel, the sport is designed to be social and inclusive, primarily targeting mothers and women over 30.The latvian People’s Sports Association highlights the importance of Mamanet in promoting women’s well-being and inspiring future generations:

If we are talking about the goal and idea of this game, the key is to get women out of the house. Mom is a role model for a child as an athlete. It’s a family pride; the child sees that mom is playing and the kids support her.

Gorina Gorbatenkova, Secretary General of the Latvian People’s Sports Association

The sport’s growing popularity is evident in the increasing number of participating teams.In 2021,only four teams participated in tournaments organized by the Latvian People’s Sports Federation. Now,Latvia boasts one of the largest Mamanet leagues in Europe,with approximately 60 active teams. This surge in participation reflects the sport’s positive impact on women’s lives and its ability to foster a strong sense of community.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Professionalization of Mamanet in latvia

The Latvian People’s Sports Association is committed to further developing Mamanet in the country. Plans are underway to establish coaching certifications and categorize judges, ensuring the sport’s continued growth and professionalization.

In the near future, we will start giving opinions to coaches who will be able to qualify as coaches of this sport, and the judges will be recognized by categories, says Galina Gorbatenkova, outlining the association’s future plans.

Galina Gorbatenkova

Mamanet: A Model for Inclusive and Empowering Sports

The success of the Mamanet tournament in Jekabpils and the sport’s overall growth in Latvia serve as a testament to its power to unite communities, empower women, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle. As Mamanet continues to expand its reach, it offers a compelling model for inclusive and empowering sports initiatives worldwide.