BENDIGO Volleyball Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary across an action-packed Dragon City tournament on the Bendigo Stadium courts this weekend.
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Since the first rallies were played at Bendigo YMCA in Mundy Street in 1964, the BVA has kept on growing.
Foundation members of the BVA, Tom Stevens and Murray Mansfield are still playing key roles on and off the court.
Stevens first played volleyball in 1961 and 53 years later is still on court for Golden Square Wolverines each Thursday night at Bendigo Stadium in Marong Road.
In the early years, Stevens took to the court for API.
A team-mate at Wolverines, Ron Symons started setting, spiking or smashing on the volleyball court in 1965.
In the lead-up to the 50th celebrations, Symons donned the Scorpio uniform he wore in 1969.
The Mansfields, Murray and Ann have a long and historic association with volleyball in Bendigo.
Ann Mansfield first played volleyball in 1970 and was the first women's president.
Murray Mansfield is still calling the score and more in matches for the BVA, of which Carol McKinstry is president.
Murray Mansfield will be refereeing at the Dragon City tournament, which has drawn 40 teams.
Kanyana's women's line-up includes Bronwyn James who has played volleyball for more than 30 years.
Another long-time volleyball exponent is Scott Ross, who also does plenty of work for the BVA off the court.
Ross plays for Tsunami in the BVA's men's division one competition.
Two of the region's rising stars, Matilda Roberts and Patrick Haythorne will be chasing glory at the Dragon City tournament.
The teenagers will take to the court for the Bendigo Bank Academy of Sport.
Ross said Saturday's reunion function would be in the Skylounge at Bendigo Stadium from 6.30pm.
"There will be memorabilia on display. it will be a great weekend for a lot of past players to catch up, and also watch top-class matches."
First matches in the Bendigo Motor Wreckers-backed tournament are at 8am on Saturday.