“Choctaws say they’re the best at Chair Volleyball, Muscogee Creek say they’re the best. Cherokee say they’re the best. So we decided we’re going to have Intertribal Chair Volleyball to see which Tribe is the best,” – David Pascale
OKMULGEE – Colorful beach balls flew back and forth overhead at the Mvskoke Dome during the first Festival Intertribal Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, June 13. Teams composed of players 55 years of age or older competed in pool play and single-elimination. A total of 20 teams from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Choctaw Nation, and the Cherokee Nation competed to see which Tribe produced the toughest chair volleyball players.
Recreation Director Mike Sands (Mvskoke) explained that the concept behind chair volleyball is simple and is accessible for elders. Instead of a volleyball, it uses a beachball. Each team seats six players in chairs on each side of a volleyball net. Like volleyball, teams volley the ball until it hits the ground.
“It’s something for the elders, they can do it, and they like it. It’s starting to blow up pretty big,” Sands said. “I don’t know if it will get like Pickleball or anything like that, but everybody likes it.”
The MCN Recreation Department stays busy during Festival Season. They are responsible for hosting the golf tournament, the slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball tournaments, and the rodeo. Sands said their goal is to provide Festival sports for all ages.
Brenda Battise (Choctaw) plays for the Smoke Signals from Wright City. They regularly compete in Tribal chair volleyball tournaments. Their next tournament is the Teddy Ward Tournament. Battise said she looks forward to getting out and doing a fun activity with others.
“Coming together and meeting new people and playing together and having a wonderful time being out, especially when you’re older,” Battise said. “It’s a great game to get out and exercise a bit.”
Billy Cantrell (Mvskoke) plays for the Tulsa Creek Indian Community. The community fielded two teams in the tournament. Cantrell remarked that the teams practice twice a week and get a little better each day. The community’s practices are open to visitors.
“We all bring in something to eat, and we welcome visitors to come play,” Cantrell said. “We’ve had Lighthorse come play with us and several other people. It’s fun, we have a blast. We laugh hard.”
Recreation Facilities Manager David Pascale (Mvskoke) said his favorite part of the Festival tournaments is the people. He enjoys hosting and making sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. He also remarked that the games can be fierce.
“It’s competitive amongst those communities, like Okfuske. They’re competitive, they want to see who’s the best.” Pascale said.
2026 Intertribal Chair Volleyball winners:
1st Place: Broken Bow Wellness (Choctaw Nation Team)
2nd Place: C & C Misfits (Choctaw and Creek Team)
3rd Place: Smoke Signals (Choctaw Team)
