Misty May-Treanor bringing volleyball tourney to Long Beach

Three-time Olympic Gold medalist Misty May-Treanor is bringing volleyball to Riverside Boulevard beach Aug. 2-4, with events for both youth and adult players in the Dream in Gold Juniors Clinic and Tournament Series presented by Spalding.

The series will give junior players the opportunity to participate in a clinic with the U.S. volleyball star and participate in a tournament. Adults will also have the opportunity to compete in their own tournament for a $5,000 cash prize.

“I am so excited to get out there and see the eagerness of these juniors who are the future of the sport,” May-Treanor said in a statement. “These young athletes will be playing in an organized and engaging environment similar to what I enjoyed as a junior myself.”

The junior players will be put in groups based on age and skill levels before covering volleyball fundamentals and game strategy, according to a press release.

The tournaments will utilize a round-robin format with playoffs and championship games determining division winners, the release said. Those winners will be invited to the East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach, Va. to play for the 2013 Championship.

“Spalding has been a long-time supporter of Misty May-Treanor and is excited to continue its legacy with this elite and comprehensive program,” said Paul Sullivan, Vice President of Spalding in the release.

East End Volleyball will run the event in conjunction with Spalding, said spokesman Richard Heiles. The company, who is sponsored by Volleyball America, runs over 35 events for 4,000 players and holds tournaments along the east coast of the U.S. from Newport, R.I. to Hollywood, Fla.

Those who wish to participate in the event can register by visiting www.VolleyballAmerica.com and selecting East End Volleyball. 

Full schedule:

Friday, Aug. 2:
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Junior clinic with Misty May
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Adult clinic with pro volleyball player Mark Burik
 
Saturday, Aug. 3: 8 a.m. check in
Doubles tournament for adults: Open, AA, A & B divisions
$1,500 prize money in Men and Women’s Open
$250 prize money in MAA & WAA
A and B Divisions receive merchandise prizes from Spalding, Reflekt Polarized, ZEMgear, Rider Sandals, Sprout Watches, Rox Volleyball and Park & Sun Sports
 
Sunday, Aug. 4: 9 a.m. check-in
Junior tournament for boys and girls doubles.
Divisions: boys and girls 18 years old and under, 16 and under, 14 and under, 12 and under
Prizes supplied by Spalding