Rugged West fundraiser will support a Cibola County child facing a terminal or critical illness
GRANTS, N.M. – Players will get muddy for more than bragging rights Sunday as the fifth annual Rugged West Side-by-Side Adventure Rally closes with a volleyball tournament that will benefit a local child facing a terminal or critical illness.
The adult mud volleyball tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Grants Rodeo Grounds. Registration is $150 per team, and players must be at least 18 years old.
Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce President Melinda Salazar said the tournament is intended to bring the community together while creating a memorable experience for a child and family in Cibola County.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and change a local child’s life,” Salazar said. “Every dollar will stay here in the county, and we’re going to help grant them a wish.”
The chamber is currently accepting nomination letters for local children facing terminal or critical illnesses. A committee will review the nominations and select a beneficiary.
Salazar said the effort is based on the idea of granting a meaningful wish or experience, but it is being organized locally rather than through a national organization.
The City of Grants is helping sponsor the tournament. The chamber is coordinating and hosting the event.
Salazar said players do not need extensive volleyball experience to participate.
“You don’t have to be a volleyball expert,” she said. “Just get ready to have fun.”
No alcohol will be sold or served at the volleyball tournament, Salazar said.
The fundraiser is one part of the three-day Rugged West rally, which will take place Friday through Sunday at Fire and Ice Park and the Grants Rodeo Grounds. The weekend will include side-byside competitions, live music, family activities, vendors, food, a pancake breakfast, children’s activities and events intended to send visitors into businesses throughout Grants and Milan.
Salazar said organizers have worked to keep as much of the event’s spending and preparation within the local business community as possible. Event shirts were designed by the chamber board and are being produced with help from local residents and businesses.
“We’re keeping everything as close to the heart and the chest as we can when it comes to the business community,” Salazar said.
The rally’s broader goal is to bring visitors into Cibola County while giving residents another reason to gather, shop locally and support community causes.
“We just want to see a bunch of side-by-sides come to our town and support our community,” Salazar said.
Teams interested in participating in the mud volleyball tournament should contact event organizers for registration information. Additional information about Rugged West is available by calling 505-240-2212.