By Karen Wolitzer
It's not that I'd really like to play (I'm not that coordinated) it's just the sand and the sun and the healthy looking people make me want to be a part of it. It would be great to be there, in person, soaking up the sun and cheering for my favorite team.
So, when I read about the Annual Vytra Health Plans Volleyball Tournament at Jones Beach, I knew I had to go and I had to tell you about it, too.
The event has been taking place, at Jones Beach, for almost twenty years. Seven years ago, Vytra Health Plans became involved. They formed a partnership with the New York State Parks Department to provide a summer health education program and distribute free sunscreen at the beach with summer health information. The volleyball tournament was included, because one of their goals is to promote physical fitness and improve the quality of life on Long Island.
Vytra even has its own 6-person team this year, led by John Kaegi, Senior Vice President of Marketing. The tournament is a lot of fun, says Vytra's Donna Howard. People on the boardwalk always stop and watch. And you can too.
Just show up at Jones Beach on July 27 and/or July 28. The first day is regular play on the beach and the second day is semi-finals and finals held on the professional volleyball courts. Park in Field 4 and follow the crowd.
With 864 players expected, this is no rinky-dink event. There'll be 64 6-man/woman teams. (Although each 6-person team can have ten people...with just six on the court.) There will also be 32 4-man/woman teams (each of which can have seven members.) Each team has to be coed.
If you're thinking, I wish I had known about this sooner so I could be a part of it, you're in luck. There's still time to register.
Registration will continue until July 22 or until the roster is full. It will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Park Information office at Jones Beach State Park. Mail in registration can be mailed to: Volleyball Tournament, Jones Beach State Park, P.O. Box 1000, Wantaugh, NY 11793.
The top two teams will win cash prizes. Runners-up will receive beach-themed prizes like coolers, beach bags and towels.
Whether you want to play or just watch, this is your chance to be a part of the summer fun at Jones Beach.
