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Volunteer Maldives Holds Local Football Tournament

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Maldives Promotion House – Volunteer Maldives is an organisation which was founded by Yvonne Habeeb and Michelle Flake, two professionals with a lot of experience in the global travel business, and ten years of experience living in Maldives.

In order to benefit the locals, Volunteer Maldives works in cooperation with island communities, NGO’s and government schools ensuring that the volunteer’s skills are shown where they are most required. The volunteer placements offered by Volunteer Maldives includes teaching, the medical field, sports coaches, and community development among others.

As part of the Volunteer Maldives “Give Back” campaign, they recently held a football tournament in Noonu Atoll Velidhoo. The tournament was held in cooperation with the islands two NGO’s, Velidhoo Youth Development Society (VYDS) and Club Still Red.

Volunteer Ryan, a qualified football coach from Australia, coached and prepared the youngsters, while newly Volunteer Marc assisted with the tournament. According to Volunteer Maldives the new Volunteer Marc will also be helping out teaching English in the island’s school. The football shirts and training bibs for the more than 60 participants were donated by Volunteer Maldives.

During the junior tournament four matches surprisingly saw no goals at all being scored, so the best playing teams made it to the final, with a result of 1-0.

“Despite the lack of goals, the lads had great fun, and the many spectators on the side lines had a great time watching, and the winning team was absolutely thrilled to take a victory round of the island in a truck screaming and cheering at the top of their lungs,” Volunteer Maldives said.

A similar scenario played out the following day, where it was the turn of the seniors to take to the field, again with the final match going to a 1-0 win.

Donated by Volunteer Maldives, “Man of the Match” and “Top Goal Scorer” trophies along with medals and certificates for every participating member, were awarded at the end of the tournament.

Volunteer Maldives combined the busy football day with the World Environment Day, and the start of their expanded conservation and environmental work which will progress throughout the year. Five trees donated by the organization were planted by the volunteers to mark the day.

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Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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