Myrtle Beach, SC -
By Alisha Laventure - bio | email
MYRTE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – More than 100 teams are registered for Myrtle Beach inaugural winter volleyball tournament in January 2011.
A youth volleyball tournament is slated to come to Myrtle Beach the weekend before Martin Luther King day next year. The Mayor's office received applications from 80 teams within 24 hours of posting the tournament online.
"Having this tournament in the middle of January, when there's absolutely nothing going on except cold weather, is showing what positive things can come out of proper sports promotion," Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes said. He expects 3500 coaches, athletes and relatives to flock Myrtle Beach hotels and restaurants that weekend.
With a registration fee of $300, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is projecting a $3 million contribution to the local economy – provided that the city reach's its goal of singing 150 teams to the tournament.
"It's a big event. It ranks pretty high up there," deems Mark Beale, Sports Manager for the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce."I think volleyball's really catching on, as far as the indoor version with a lot of clubs in the area."
The tournament is recognized by USA Volleyball, the sport's national governing body. "What we're hoping is that college coaches might come to recruit some of their players," Grand Strand Juniors Volleyball Club Coach Alex Sing said. He sees the tournament as an opportunity to make the Grand Strand a competitive volleyball contender.
Athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 are invited to compete. They will play on one of 16 courts at the convention center, or 6 courts at other locations in the city.
"I think it's really exciting to have a tournament at the beach," Julia Fullwood remarked. Her daughter has been a member of the Grand Strand Junior's Volleyball club since it started four years ago.
"It's important for these girls to be able to have one in their own back yard."
The Mayor's office has already started reserving the flooring, nets and score clocks for the event.
The Tournament is scheduled for the weekend before Martin Luther King Day Next Year.
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