Coral Beach is expected to be buzzing with excitement when it hosts the Bermuda Open National Beach Championships tomorrow and Sunday.

Eight men’s pairs and seven women’s duos will take to the beach. The two-day competition will provide athletes that will be representing Bermuda at the Central American and Caribbean Games with competitive matches.

Benjamin Barnett and Connor Somerville, the men’s pair at the CAC Games, as well as the women’s duo of Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard will be in action at this event.

Kyle Hamilton, who was part of the men’s winning team last year, is partnering with Sean Tucker, the runner-up in 2025.

Daniel Morris and Carter Lamb, who represented Bermuda at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association under-20 Championships, will also be in action.

Challenging Hands and Gazzard will be Hailey Moss and Kayley Hamilton. Ex-national team athletes Lisa LeBlanc and Beth Rae will also be taking to the beach, together with Olivia Gazzard and Bella Sousa, who are buzzing after winning gold medals for Bermuda at the ECVA under-20 Championships.

Meagan McPeek, one of the event organisers, indicated that they increased the tournament duration to provide the competitors with a great experience.

“Although we do eventually want to have international teams come to provide high level players to compete against, the goal was also to provide a tournament that our elite athletes could compete in for a national title,” McPeek said.

“This year it was expanded to a two-day event to provide the best format for the athletes.

“We have a physiotherapist on site, DJs, prizes, spectator/volunteer giveaways, games and a centre court that will have FIVB certified referees and a “big stage” atmosphere.

“We are grateful to Coral Beach Club for hosting our national beach programmes. This is where our national teams train and having a “home” for trainings has been incredibly helpful for our athletes.’’

McPeek expressed her appreciation to all those that contributed to ensuring that the two days are a success.

“We are grateful to CDABermy, Butterfield & Vallis, BDA Spirits and Redlaser for prizes and support,” she said.

“We’ll also have Dr Craig Orr with Perpetual Motion supporting our national team athletes and training partners has been a huge blessing.

“We appreciate all our sponsors for this event and the community for continuing to grow this fast paced, incredibly fun sport — we want to see Bermuda become a destination for international beach volleyball training and events.”