Love of volleyball and a desire to eradicate cancer will bring students to the sand for a volleyball tournament in what organizers hope will be both fun and supportive of a good cause.
Recreation senior Mike Smith and civil engineering junior Mike Delach started the organization, “Battle for Boobs,” last spring to raise money for breast cancer research through friendly competition.
“I’ve had many close friends and relatives who have had to go through cancer treatments,” Smith said. “I’ve realized that I can combine volleyball with a good cause and have people come together.”
Battle For Boobs began in April and has held a beach volleyball tournament in Pismo Beach and a co-recreational elite doubles tournament to raise funds for the cause. They will hold another volleyball tournament Saturday in honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Saturday’s event will bring 32 teams together on the Cal Poly Recreational Center Field. Each team will consist of two women and two men who will compete against each other for prizes provided by sponsors.
“They are a lot of fun and obviously it’s for a good cause,” said communications senior Kylie Atherstone.
Atherstone has been a member of the Cal Poly volleyball team since her freshman year. She will be competing in the tournament this weekend.
“You don’t necessarily have to be good at volleyball to have a good time,” she added.
Approximately 20 teams have registered so far for the event, which will take place on 11 courts. Both skilled and amateur players are encouraged to attend. Anyone can also come to watch the tournament in lieu of competing.
“We would like to get as many people as we can,” Smith said. “(How much money is raised) all depends on people showing up to the tournament.”
A free agent list will be available, allowing students to team up with other students who do not have four players.
All proceeds will go towards Susan G. Komen For the Cure, an organization that funds research for a cure for breast cancer. The organization was started by Komen’s sister after Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33 and lost her three-year battle with it. Today, it is the largest breast cancer charity in the United States.
Since Battle For Boobs is not a recognized campus club, the Recreation Parks and Tourism Administration club will help Smith and Delach by providing volunteers at the event.
RPTA puts on recreational events throughout the year and tries to promote and present volunteer opportunities for all club members.
Battle For Boobs will host more sports tournaments later this year, including a golf tournament in the winter and an ultimate Frisbee tournament and a tennis tournament in the spring.
“It’s going to be a great time where everyone can get together and play volleyball for a great cause,” Smith said.
The tournament will take place Sunday on the Cal Poly Recreational Center Field. It begins at 9 a.m. and will last until 2:30 p.m.