Sandstorm Beach Volleyball Tournament Unites 1,000+ Ontario Students on the Sand
On a rainy Thursday in late May, more than 1,000 high school students from across Ontario took to the courts. Not in a gymnasium, but on the sand, for Sandstorm, one of the largest high school beach volleyball tournaments in Canada.
Hosted at the MaxVolley courts in Ottawa, the May 30th event brought together 340 teams in six competitive divisions in a celebration of athleticism, school spirit, and the power of sport to connect students across diverse communities.
Students compete at the Sandstorm Beach Volleyball Tournament
What began a decade ago as a modest school initiative has grown into a province-wide tradition rooted in equity and inclusion. Sandstorm sold out in under 48 hours, with over 160 teams registering in the first two hours alone; a testament to how meaningful, student-centred events continue to resonate in high schools.
But this tournament was about far more than volleyball.
Access, Equity, and Purpose
The MaxVolley Courts
At the heart of Sandstorm is a mission to break down barriers that prevent students from participating fully in sport. The event prioritizes access for lower-income students at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School in Ottawa, where the tournament originated. Through the support of participating schools, sponsors, and community members, students from underserved backgrounds were able to compete free of charge.
The funds raised from the tournament help support physical and health education initiatives year-round for students who face financial challenges. This includes bringing in guest speakers and guest instructors, covering travel and tournament fees, replacing worn-out equipment, and ensuring that sport remains accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all.
“For many of our students, this is their only opportunity to compete outside of the school gym,” said Sarah McCaffrey, Athletic Director at Lester B. Pearson and Sandstorm organizer. “Sandstorm not only opens that door, it helps keep it open all year long.”
Community Partnerships and Support
A couple of tournament champions
Local businesses, retired and current teacher volunteers, and post-secondary institutions offered everything from in-kind product donations to human resources. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees volleyball team partnered with the tournament this year, sending student-athletes to interact with participants, run volleyball challenges, and inspire the next generation of players.
Going Social
Sandstorm made its debut on social media with the launch of a dedicated Instagram account: @the.sandstorm.tournament, which helped generate excitement in the lead-up to the event. It added a new layer of connection and visibility to a tournament all about community by giving players, coaches, and schools a chance to engage with photos, updates, and giveaways.
A Celebration of School Sport
As Sandstorm marked its 10th anniversary, and as Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School celebrated its 50 year anniversary, it was clear that this was more than just a tournament. It was a celebration of school sport as a force for good.
For educators, Sandstorm is an example of how sport can foster belonging, build community, and create equitable opportunities for all students without the need for big budgets.
“Sandstorm is a reminder that when we centre joy, access, and student connection, the impact goes far beyond the game,” said McCaffrey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dianna Chepita
Dianna Chepita is a non-profit communications specialist in Ottawa, ON.
This article is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2025 issue.
