Volleyball tournament raises $10,000 for charities

LEAMINGTON – The 9th Annual Charity Volleyball Tournament was phenomenal, according to organizers, with a recordbreaking 45 teams representing four divisions hitting the hard courts on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Maryvale Adolescent & Family Services was the recipient for the monies raised and volunteers from the organization were onsite assisting throughout the day. Games were played at four venues: Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, Leamington District Secondary School, Cardinal Carter Secondary/Middle Schools and UMEI Christian High School.

This was the ninth tournament organized by Karen Repko, Leasa Barkovsky, Ryan Whittle and Kristine Verbeek.

The Competitive Division final was an incredible battle to the end with Team Josh narrowly beating their rivals to take the top spot.

Competitive Winners - Team Josh: left to right: Dante Civiero, Shane Byrne, JY Renaud, Helen Wiebe, Josh Rankine. Absent from photo: Kat Roberge.

The action during the Intermediate Division finals also did not disappoint with Sweet Digs Too coming up with the win after having to beat their competitor twice in the finals.

Intermediate Winners - Sweet Digs Too: left to right: Luke Brouwer, Ryan O’Neil, Mitchell Hunter, Victoria Brouwer, Kylee Siimes, Clint Sauve.

The Recreation Division saw an increase in talent this year and Team SWAT was able to fend off the others in the division to be the winners.

Recreation Winners - Team SWAT In front: Adam Martens. Middle: Annie Sawatzky (left), Paulina Martens (right). In back, left to right: Tobias Friesen, Jake Unger, Daniel Klassen.

The Corporate Division again had teams representing several companies/organizations in the area coming together for this great cause. There were sore muscles but plenty of laughs, and after the dust settled, Mighty Maryvale came out on top as the victors.

Corporate Winners - Mighty Maryvale In front, left to right: Tom Wilson, Michelle Wilson, Chris Weinberg, Brianna Valenzuela. Back row: Moe Nasser, Steve Taylor, Carol Myers, Karen Mallat.

Along with the money and items donated for Maryvale Adolescent & Family Services, items were also collected for the Leamington Salvation Army Food Bank, a regular beneficiary of each tournament.

After the knee pads came off and pain relief cream applied, an amazing $10,000 was donated along with an incredible 1,126 Food Bank items.

Organizers thank all the donors, participants and volunteers for their tremendous generosity in helping create a positive impact within the community. The support was overwhelming and greatly appreciated.