A4K Coed 4's Beach Volleyball Tournament: A fundraising event in support of Athletics for Kids, Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the North Vancouver Shipyards. Seeding matches in the morning, and playoffs in the afternoon. All skill levels welcome. Team $110/individual $25. a4k.ca
Community members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to register for an upcoming beach volleyball tournament set for Saturday, Aug. 15 at the North Vancouver Shipyards in support of Athletics for Kids (A4K).
"We're really trying to get anyone out there. We're going to try to seed the teams so that you don't end up playing a team that is way better than you. It's definitely a family-friendly event where everyone will be encouraged and we'll make sure that teams are matched equally," says Kari Ostevik, event co-organizer.
The 26-year-old comes from a self-described "volleyball family" and while she currently resides in Vancouver, grew up on the North Shore. Ostevik started volunteering with A4K last year, attracted to its mission. The local non-profit organization works to ensure
all children can participate in sports and recreational activities regardless of any financial barriers they may face.
"It's something that's really important to me. I grew up playing lots of sports and I think it really fosters a good community and it gives kids leadership skills," says Ostevik.
The coed 4's tournament (meaning two females and two males per team) will run at the base of Lonsdale Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seeding matches will be held in the morning followed by the playoffs in the afternoon. "It's really to have some fun and raise a
little bit of money for A4K," says Ostevik. Prizes will be awarded and the Shipyards will be lively, thanks to the City of North Vancouver's ongoing Summer Sessions, offering free live entertainment, artisan vendors and a refreshment area, starting at 5 p.m. at Shipbuilders' Square. "We're going to try and make this an annual event," she says.
A4K is also presenting its inaugural West Van Lawn Bowling Classic on the same day, Aug. 15, at 4 p.m. at the West Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club. Teams of four are encouraged to register ($100 per team/$25 per individual).
