Teens to compete in the First Annual Spring Skyline Beach Slam

Beach volleyball is an immensely popular sport in warm weather cities such as Los Angeles and Miami. But in the New York City area, while participation in organized competitive and social volleyball among youth and adults has rapidly risen, engagement in beach volleyball is still relatively limited to small circles. One woman aims to change that at the First Annual Spring Skyline Beach Slam, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, on 66th Street at Riverside Park on Manhattan’s Westside, featuring boys and girls ages 12 to 17.

“We partnered with NYC Parks, and from the kids that we had last year when we founded the company, they wanted to compete and learn,” NYC Beach Volley Ventures (NYCBVV) founder Barbara Miranda Winkler expressed to the AmNews.

“It is just like a full experience of how tournaments (are structured), kind of like a sneak peek of the Olympics,” said Winkler. “The name reflects New York. Our logo, you can see it’s like the sunrise or sunset with the skyline, and the bridge and the water, and they are all happy colors.” The visual is intentional as NYCBVV strives to provide physical as well as social-emotional development to its participants.

“Our holistic approach blends drills, fundamentals, and gameplay to build confidence, mental readiness, and sportsmanship,” Winkler, a Harlem-based mother of a 12-year-old, explained.

“At NYCBVV, I had an amazing experience, met great people, and I am incredibly inspired by both of my coaches,” 14-year-old Jovana said of her experience last year. “My coaches not only taught me the game, but also taught me resilience and self-confidence.”

“At NYCBVV, playing and learning with friends feels like it’s family, and the coaches are open-minded and kind,” said 12-year-old Ayla.

The tournament has eight divisions with a maximum of 10 teams in each. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and play starts at 8 a.m..

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