Fun for all at volleyball

Over 30 Kanehsata’kehró:non competed on March 14 in a volleyball tournament organized by Selena Kaniehtiiostha Beauvais, who is sports and athletics coordinator of the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC).

“I organized this tournament to bring the community together. I know quite a few people who love playing, like myself, and figured since we haven’t had one in so long - I don’t remember the last time we had one - I’d organize one,” said Beauvais.

At the Ratihén:te High School gym, five teams competed for glory. Team Selena dominated the tournament, finishing with 4-0 record, but fell to fourth-seed Team Emmanuelle in a 25-17 upset in the semi-finals.

A team led by Kahsennine Nelson, the second seed, won the championship.

Ideally, Beauvais would like to organize a Kanesatake volleyball tournament every month, but with lacrosse season coming up, a more feasible schedule may be bimonthly.

And this is not the only tournament Beauvais is organizing. Currently, she is working with Kahnawa’kehró:non to revive a competitive volleyball tournament between both communities, as well as members of Ganienkeh and Akwesasne.

While this tournament was free of charge, Beauvais said next time she may charge to entice players with a cash prize.

“Overall, it was a positive event that brought the community together while playing a sport that’s growing in our community,” said Beauvais.

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Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter