02/22/2019
The sport of Volleyball has been played along the shores of Lake Ontario since the late 1950’s. As one of the early adapters of the game, Toronto’s Balmy Beach Club organized some of the first tournaments for volleyball enthusiasts.
Thanks to the efforts of Canadian beach player John May, Balmy Beach hosted their first FIVB - International Volleyball Federation event in 1988 as part of Canada’s Labatt Pro Beach Tour Tournament. In 1997, the Labatt Blue Pro Beach Tour made Canadian volleyball history, becoming the most heavily endorsed and sponsored volleyball tour to date. The very next year, Canada makes international history by offering equal prize money in the men’s and women’s World Tour competitions.
The same passion for the sport of Volleyball can be found along the shores of Lake Ontario today. Through the years, Boardwalk Place has become a pillar of the volleyball community in Ontario. Located along the famous boardwalk at Woodbine Beach Park and Ashbridge’s Bay, Boardwalk Place is the key destination spot of the Eastern Beaches. With over 2 million visitors annually, the boardwalk draws fans of sun, sand, and sport to the area.
As a tenant for almost 20 years, the Ontario Volleyball Association has hosted large scale beach volleyball tournaments at both the provincial and national level. Also, the OVA in partnership with Boardwalk Place and the City of Toronto have delivered the world’s largest adult beach league. With 96 courts of volleyball action, the Ashbridge's Bay Beach Volleyball League is a sight to behold. Managed by Beach Blast since 2010, the Ashbridge’s Bay Beach Volleyball League has become the favourite after work activity for Toronto’s volleyball enthusiasts, selling out annually.
Additionally, Ashbridge’s Bay is home to Heatwave for SickKids, the current Guinness World Record holder for the largest beach volleyball tournament in the world! Not only is Heatwave an event of epic proportions, but it is also the longest running community event in support of SickKids. Now in its 25th year, Heatwave has raised an incredible $4.1 million in support of SickKids Foundation.
Join us this summer and discover why so many Live to Play!
