Forty teams arrived before 8 a.m. at Lakeshore Park in Barry’s Bay on July 20 to participate in the 17th annual Beach Volleyball Tournament. They brought with them kids, dogs, hats, sunscreen, lots of water, and everything needed for an fun-filled day beside Kamaniskeg Lake. The event organizers laid on rockin’ music, four sizzling sandy courts (thanks to the extremely hot summer weather with assistance from MV Township staff), food and barbecue, raffles, prizes, a nice shiny trophy, and many volunteers to ensure the day went smoothly for all. Everyone pitched in to tidy the site after play ended.The purpose of the annual event is to raise money for Huntingdon’s Disease research. Organizer Melissa Craftchick was excited to tell The Current that this year’s tournament netted $8,500 for the cause.
(Left) Candace McGuey and Melissa Craftchick who with their two sisters organized the event; their aunt Bonnie Mask and her sister Rachel McGuey (at right)
Aided by sunshine and a beautiful lakeside setting, the vibe was relaxing. Multi-generational teams competed with good humour and sportsmanship. Craftchick said that most of the teams were co-ed and the rules require two female players per team on court at all times, but this year there were also two all-women teams. There was much discussion about whether The Avengers (who had captured the trophy the past four years) would be able to match their performance in 2019. In the end, they didn’t make the play-offs and the trophy went to Beaches Love Me who won the A stream final. The B stream final was won by The Unknowns. Thanks to the generosity of more than 40 business and individual sponsors, there were prizes galore and the raffle made a big contribution towards the total funds raised.
(Left) A stream winners Beaches Love Me; B stream winners The Unknowns;
