Gamma Sigma Phi will have a 68-hour, non-stop volleyball tournament for the first time since 2012 starting April 21 and ending April 24.
The tournament is a fundraiser for leukemia research and will benefit the Wade family, who lost their son Hudson to leukemia in February, and Cason Ford, an alumnus of GSP who was diagnosed with cancer in January. The social club’s goal is to raise $68,000 by the end of the tournament.
Bryson Jennings, sophomore agriculture business major from Azle, is in charge of community service events for GSP and said because the club hadn’t done it in four years, the members wanted to do something to bring back the old tradition.
“It sounds crazy, but it’s something that is really close to us and benefiting people that are close to us and people in the community,” Jennings said. “That’s the main thing, helping those people. It’s not about GSP, it’s not about how good we can make ourselves look; it’s about helping and getting the community to rally around those people and research for a good cause.”
Jennings said they’re encouraging everyone they can, including students, club members, faculty and people in the community, to sign up for a team. The cost is $40 per team, but there is no limit to the number of members on a team. Teams will take shifts and play different games throughout the entire 68-hour period.
“Any opportunity to play some intramural volleyball, I’m game,” said Mabree Moore, junior elementary education major from Brownwood. “With all things club aside, this tournament is for a great cause, raising money for two incredible, well-deserving families who have been impacted immensely by leukemia. It is a wonderful thing when a community of people, especially our ACU community, can come together to serve a purpose beyond ourselves. It just makes my heart smile.”
The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. April 21 in Gym C in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and will last until 2 p.m. April 24. The club is also planning a carnival to help support the fundraiser and will include raffles, food, auctions, games and more for all ages.
For more information on the tournament and carnival, to sign up or to donate, visit their website at http://68volleyball.com.
