Michelle O’Neill tourney celebrates 20 years

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The Michelle O’Neill Foundation kicked off its 20th annual volleyball tournament last Saturday, an event that attracted thousands of participants and spectators to the nets along Long Beach’s shore for competitive and recreational play.

The day honors Michelle O’Neill, who died of cancer in 1996 at age 24, and has grown to become one of Long Beach’s most prominent events. During the inaugural event in 1997, the foundation raised $17,000 as volleyball players competed across 11 nets. President of the foundation and Michelle’s mother, Carol O’Neill, said this year was the most well attended, as there were 360 registered teams and 57 nets.

“People tell me that this is their favorite day of the year,” O’Neill said. “That’s quite a statement.”

Though O’Neill said she is still tallying the funds raised during the tournament, she confirmed that the foundation surpassed last year’s total of $165,000, which benefit children with cancer and special needs.

The foundation supports Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Frances Pope Foundation, among other organizations, but O’Neill said most of the funds are distributed directly to families who need assistance in covering medical expenses.

“There were so many people there for us from when Michelle was going through her treatment, and we’re in a position now to pay it forward,” she said.

This year’s theme was “Smile, Mon” inspired by Michelle’s initials, as well as her love for reggae music. The tournament included food from Swingbelly’s, raffles, merchandise tents and music by Jahstix, who kept the reggae vibe alive.

Six children, who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer, came down to the beach to thank the Michelle O’Neill Foundation and its donors.

“It’s extremely rewarding…and it’s quite emotional because I know that everybody is coming hopefully to help the children that we help through the foundation,” O’Neill said. “For me personally it’s heartwarming to know that my daughter Michelle’s legacy has become so important to so many people.”