Michelle O’Neill tournament returns to the beach Saturday

The 27th annual Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament returns to Long Beach on Sept. 9 at Laurelton Boulevard beach, one of the city’s most popular events that is expected to draw thousands.

The tournament has become a staple in the Long Beach community and according to Carol O’Neill, mother of Michelle O’Neill and president of the Michelle O’Neill Foundation, it’s the “last shot at summer” for many people. O’Neill and her family started the tournament to honor her Michelle, who died of cancer in 1996 at age 24.

“It’s a pretty well-oiled machine at this point,” said O’Neill. “We hear from people that it’s the best day ever. In fact, we used that as a slogan one year. People look forward to it.”

When the foundation first started, it raised $17,000 to help children with cancer and special needs. The foundation raises for organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, Memorial Sloan Kettering, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and many others.

Before the games begin, O’Neill will take the stage with representatives from Make-A-Wish, the Ronald McDonald House and Memorial Sloan Kettering. She’ll also be joined by about five families of the children that they’ve been able to assist.

After the opening ceremony, the games begin.

Last year, 431 teams took part, playing across 69 volleyball courts and nets. This year, 450 teams will be playing across nearly 75 nets. The tournament is split into three divisions — a four-man competitive division, a six-man competitive division and a six-man recreational division. The event is the largest single-event volleyball tournament on the East Coast.

The logo for the foundation is a smiley face to represent Michelle’s “fun-loving and gregarious” spirit. Each year, the face changes slightly in accordance with a specific theme. This year’s theme is “Shine On.” Like previous years, the slogan will be included on merchandise.

“I think our community really shines on and shows its best face on the day that we have the Michelle O’Neill Foundation,” she said. “I just really believe that. It’s a labor of love is very emotional for us. Michelle’s memory is being carried on. She wanted to help people and she is. She’s helping people.”

Winning teams in each division will get trophies, except for the recreational league. In the past, the event also included raffle prizes such as a weekend in Manhattan, signed jerseys from the Boston Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy — a Long Beach native — and former New York Ranger Brain Leech, as well as surfboards, gift certificates and more.

People can donate on the group’s website, MONFoundation.org, or by mailing a check to their P.O. box, 478, in Long Beach.