GLENMONT — The 10th Annual CAT Volleyball Tournament will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. at The Colonial Coliseum in Glenmont.
According to a provided press release, the CAT (Colonial Acres Tournament), to be located on 82 Cambridge Drive, will be presented by NOVUS Clothing Company, an Albany-based custom sportswear and apparel company. It originally began as a fun neighborhood tournament 10 years ago, when brothers Nick and Garrett Bernardo, and childhood friend Alex Martin brought their friends together for a night of volleyball.
This year, NOVUS, started by the Bernardo brothers and partner Scott Klimchak, has teamed up with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund to raise money for cancer research and treatments.
The Bernardo brothers are also honoring their aunt, Karis Bernardo, who has been battling stage four cancer in the last two years. They will also be remembering Kathy Klimchak, Klimchak’s mother, who passed away in October from cancer. Kathy is the mother of NOVUS’s third partner, Scott Klimchak.
“It’s wild to think this is our 10th year,” Garrett said. “It only seems fitting to use the CAT as an opportunity to give back and honor family, friends and so many who have been impacted by this disease. We know great things are possible when people come together and this is just a small effort to use what we have to make a difference.”
“We set a fundraising goal of $5,000 and through our efforts we hope to raise awareness for continued research and funding for the best treatments out there,” Nick said. “We know doctors are working hard every day to knock out cancer. This hits home to many, especially us. We are inviting as many people as we can to get in the game with us.”
All participants will be outfitted in special-edition 10th anniversary CAT jerseys created by Garrett, who is also NOVUS’ lead designer. The tournament has become a neighborhood legend, fielding teams of all ages including high school and college standouts, and even the town judge.
The evening will include a local food truck, drinks, a DJ, referees, team photos with a red carpet, and live play-by-play announcing. It’s a full night of fun, with a mission that goes beyond the games. “Nine years ago we just wanted to start a tourney for fun to get the community involved, now it’s become an event with a huge impact, we are so grateful!” said Nick Bernardo.
For more information about the cause and the CAT, visit www.novusclothingcompany.com/cat10.
Spotlight News will publish a follow-up article about the event for the July 31 issue.
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