The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) will host the Inaugural IVHF Nationwide Ride and Run the weekend of Oct. 24-25, 2020, to honor volleyball’s history and Our Military Kids (OMK), which supports programming for military families. The event is a collection of group or individual motorcycle rides paired with virtual bike rides and runs which directly impacts the programming and offerings of the IVHF and OMK, as 100% of dollars raised will support the missions of each organization.
 
“In an effort to celebrate the long history and partnership between volleyball and the U.S. Armed Forces, we are honored to partner with Our Military Kids to launch this unique event,” said Steve Bishop, President of the IVHF Board of Directors and Air Force Veteran.  “There will be in-person group motorcycle rides held in Holyoke, MA, the birthplace of volleyball, as well as Jacksonville, FL and the greater Orlando, FL and Houston, TX areas. There is also a virtual component for those interested in joining in the fun in any form, whether a novice or avid enthusiast.  We invite others from around the country to join us this September.”
 
“Our Board has worked hard to create an inclusive group of events that people can participate in anywhere in the world.  This event, with its virtual options, is a great way for fans of volleyball and of the Hall of Fame, regardless of where they live, to ride, pedal or run with us and join in supporting the missions of two great organizations,” said George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director. “We’d love to see participants from every state and multiple countries around the world become part of this special celebration.”
 
The IVHF is partnering with Our Military Kids for this event to help raise funds to provide support to military families. OMK provides $300 grants for extracurricular activities for children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members as well as children whose military parent is severely injured and in recovery. The activities reduce stress, improve school performance, raise self-esteem, and boost the well-being for the entire family.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the IVHF as supporters of both organizations ride, pedal, and run to raise dollars to impact the great sport of volleyball and military children,” said Kara Dallman, Executive Director of OMK, Veteran, and Division I volleyball athlete. “Let’s do this!”
 
Registration is open now for virtual participation as well as the in-person rides. The price for virtual participation is $30, while the motorcycle rides range from $20-$30.  All registrations include a commemorative pin to celebrate this special event. To be entered into drawings for prizes, all participants are encouraged to share their experience on Instagram using #RidePedalRun and tag @vbhalloffame and @ourmilitarykids. And even if you don’t feel like getting off the couch, you can easily donate to support both great organizations!
 
For more information, or to register or donate, please visit VolleyHall.org/NationwideRide.