While everyone else in the known universe was watching Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte pile up medal after swimming medal and fell in love with Gabby Douglas and the “Fierce Five” as they dominated the world in women’s gymnastics, I quietly sat down and watched the sport of volleyball. Trust me, if they had dodge ball, I would have watched that too. You see, for some reason, I think volleyball is a sport that I could handle. I don’t have to lift 300 pounds of metal, or heave a javelin 100 meters or run a 100-yard dash in less than 10 seconds. I could stand by the net and hit the ball over it. Right? Seems easy. I mean, how hard could it be? Hah!
I watched the men valiantly compete against the stronger Russian and Brazilian teams. I cheered for the women, who took home a silver medal, and was simply awestruck by the dynamic duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in beach volleyball. I even laughed at loud when one of the announcers exclaimed, “OH, she had no chance against the 6 foot 4 Hooker!” Yes, I know that’s the player’s name but still…c’mon. I love the sport and am very proud of the way we play here in the good old USA, especially the beach game. I have been to Belmar and Point Pleasant Beach for major tournaments and professional events and have loved every minute of it. Now I want to play. The Trump Plaza in Atlantic City is giving me the chance.
On September 8, the casino is holding a beach volleyball tournament to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. I cannot think of a better game of course, but also a better cause. The co-ed tournament will have both professional and recreational (that would be me) divisions, consisting of 10 players on each team. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and the games begin at 10:00 a.m. They will play all day until someone takes home the gold, but as you probably already know, this is one day where everyone goes home a winner.
Lunch is included at the Trump Beach Bar and special hotel rates are available to participants. There will also be a performance by the B Street Band, no doubt singing their greatest hits, “Born to Spike” and “Strangers in the Net.”
trumpplaza.com
sonj.org