Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament returns

The 23rd annual Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament returns to Long Beach on Sept. 7 at Laurelton Boulevard beach, one of the city’s most popular events that is expected to draw thousands. The rain date is set for Sept. 8.

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.

“People tell me all the time that they look forward to it — it’s their favorite day on the beach,” O’Neill said. “When we first started, we had 11 nets up and last year we had 65.”

O’Neill added that when the foundation first started, it raised $17,000 to help children with cancer and special needs. Last year, the foundation raised about $250,000 for organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and many others.

O’Neill said that she expected Ronald McDonald House of Long Island President Matthew Campo to attend the event and sponsor a team. Along with Campo, six families, which have benefited from the Michelle O’Neill Foundation, will also be in attendance.

“The highlight of the day will be that the children will join me on stage,” O’Neill said.

More than 400 teams and about 2,800 participants have already registered, and O’Neill said she is expecting many more participants. The tournament is split into three divisions –– a four man competitive division, a six-man competitive division and a six-man recreational division.

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, O’Neill told the Herald. This year’s theme is “Dream Big.” Like previous years, the slogan will be included on merchandise.

“We like to put something out there to be a structure for our event,” O’Neill said. She added that she likes to have an inspirational slogan, so people can keep the message in their head throughout the day.

The event also includes 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. “It seems as though our community doesn’t tire coming out for the Michelle O’Neill tournament and helping others,” O’Neill said. “I’m expecting us to have an exceptional event — the best yet.”