Sandfest Volleyball serves support for Tulsa's Little Light House

What started as a small grass volleyball tournament nearly two decades ago has grown into a two-weekend summer event supporting The Little Light House.

The Sandfest Volleyball Tournament is now in its 18th year, raising money for The Little Light House, a nonprofit that provides free education and therapy to children with special needs.

Creator Tracy Weldon says he came up with the idea as a way to give back to his school after his son, who has Down Syndrome, received services at the school.

With no funding from the government or United Way, The Little Light House relies entirely on private donations.

How it Started

Weldon said he originally thought the tournament would be a small event. The first year, only five teams signed up. In 2025, there are 40 teams signed up just for the Junior tournament.

“What started out as a small tournament grew into something that covers two weekends in the summer,” said Weldon.

Juniors Division Tournament in May

The juniors tournament is taking place May 17 and 18 at the Helmerich Park sand volleyball courts near 71st and Riverside. With 40 teams, the matches are spread across two days to avoid long evenings.

Weldon said the juniors competition also helps out the athletes by bridging the gap between indoor and sand volleyball seasons.

Adult Tournament Returns in August

The adult division of Sandfest takes place at the beginning of August. Weldon said teams will play quads and sixes on Saturday, and the doubles competition will be on Sunday.

Weldon said organizers will hand out and post flyers at local courts with information on how to register.

Proceeds Benefit The Little Light House

There is an entry fee for teams, but Weldon said all funds go directly to the cause. The money raised covers court rentals, supplies, and the Little Light House programs. He said organizers do not make any profit.

“As far as support for The Little Light House, I knew that the volleyball community would embrace it somewhat, but I didn't know that it would be to this extent,” said Weldon.

Mission of the Matches

The Little Light House provides services many families would not otherwise have access to, including speech therapy and early education for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

Weldon said more players have learned about the nonprofit through Sandfest and go on to volunteer.

“Talking to some of them, I found out that it’s the most gratifying hours that they achieved,” he said.

You can find more information on how to volunteer on The Little Lighthouse website.