The rain couldn’t keep the volleyball action away for the fifth annual Timmy Klein Beach Volleyball Tournament. On Saturday, July 11, more than a thousand people took over the beach in Rockaway Park to enjoy one of late firefighter Timmy Klein’s favorite summer pastimes.
On April 24, 2022, Klein’s life was tragically cut short while responding to a fire in Canarsie. The Rockaway resident was 31. He’ll never be forgotten.
On Saturday, 112 teams from near and far took to the sand around Beach 121st Street and beyond for a day full of beach volleyball. As usual, the team spots filled way in advance as players were eager to spike and serve to raise money for the Timmy Klein Memorial Foundation. DJs played some of Klein’s favorite tunes, an FDNY fireboat blasted its cannons high above the ocean, memorial t-shirts, tank tops and 50/50 tickets were sold and plenty enjoyed beach volleyball through intermittent rain that kept the day much cooler compared to last year. But plenty stayed to the end and surrounded the last court as Skyball and Fam +2 had a rematch as the last two teams once again, making for an intense final game. And just like last year, Skyball won the championship.
After the event, the organizers shared, “Year FIVE is in the books! This event wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers—our refs, shirt and raffle sellers, and the early morning setup crew. Rain or shine, your dedication never wavers, and we appreciate you more than words can say.
“To our generous sponsors: thank you. Every single penny of your donation goes directly to those who need it most.
“Finally, to everyone who showed up yesterday: we are constantly amazed and overwhelmed by your continued support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. From the early planning meetings to the day-of preparation and hard work, we do it all for TK. Keeping his memory alive is our proudest achievement. We love you, Timmy, and we miss you always.”
For more photos and video from the RT, go to www.rockawaytimes.com/volleyball-report. For updates on next year’s tournament, follow @timmykleinvballtourney on Instagram.
Photos by Paul King, Katie McFadden and the TK Foundation.
