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Celebrating the Fourth in Richmond With Beach Volleyball

Mallory Noe-Payne
/
RADIOIQ

 

 

Richmond is more than a hundred miles from the beach, so it may come as a surprise how some in the city are celebrating the 4th of July: with a beach volleyball tournament. 

 

Robert Poole played volleyball at a small college in North Carolina. He’s played professionally in Germany and next year will play on a team in Estonia. 

But Thursday he’s in Richmond, competing at the Rocketts Red Glare beach volleyball tournament. 

“It’s spectacular if you watch it. It’s very much plays where you see people diving, going up, hard hits,” describes Poole.  

The semi-pro tournament is held on two sandy courts in Rocketts Landing, the area east of the city, with a spectacular view of downtown.

“We call it sand in the city!” says Darcy Carroll, Executive Director of the Richmond Volleyball Club.  “No beach but it’s kind of a beach, we’re on the river!” 

Matches were held Wednesday and finals for the championship are Thursday evening. It’s part of the Rocketts Red GlareFourth of July celebration, including drinks, food and fireworks. 

 
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.