Bumpin’ on the beach

Thousands of volleyball players and spectators packed the beach on Saturday for the 18th annual Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament.

The money raised from the tournament benefits the Michelle O’Neill Foundation. Carol O’Neill founded the organization in memory of her daughter, Michelle, who died of cancer in 1996 at age 24. The foundation helps families of children who are undergoing treatment for catastrophic diseases and special needs by providing financial assistance for the costs that insurance does not cover.

The day kicked off at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremony. Families that the foundation has helped were invited on stage, and were able to witness just how much support the Long Beach community has for them. Though thunderstorms threatened to put a damper on the afternoon, the rain held off for the tournament. A total of 316 teams competed, the largest amount in the history of the tournament, and thousands came out just to watch. For the second year in the row, Long Trunks won the 4-man competitive division, and Hit That! won the 6-man competitive division. “99 Problems but the Beach Ain’t One” won the prize for best team name.