A special thanks to HYPE Member Suzanne Truong for her work helping
the Easter Seals as well as contributing to this blog!
I joined HYPE several years ago, but didn’t really get involved until I joined the NU Killer Watts HYPE Cup team in 2009. HYPE Cup is great! Not only do I get to compete against other fellow young professionals, but I get to learn a lot about our great state and what it has to offer.
Last year, HYPE Cup introduced “Extra Point” opportunities. Essentially, it is HYPE’s way of getting HYPE Cup participants more involved in the community, in a fun and competitive way. By participating in local charity events (running 5ks, volunteering at food pantries, fundraising for non-profits through walks and bowl-a-thons, etc), participants can earn extra points for their HYPE Cup team. One of the best and most memorable extra point opportunities that I had the pleasure of participating in was the Easter Seals Volleyball Tournament, held every spring at Trinity College in Hartford. The tournament allows players of any skill level to participate. You put together a team, raise some money, and compete. It’s pretty simple, and it’s so much fun! The NU Killer Watts put in a great showing, and I’m hoping we can beat our record this year.
The reason the Easter Seals Volleyball tournament sticks out in my head among all the Extra Point opportunities available is because of the organization itself. Having never heard of Easter Seals prior to HYPE Cup, I was amazed to find out all that they do. In essence, Easter Seals offers aide, compassion, and resources to over a million children and adults who suffer from disabilities and special needs. They assist with medical rehabilitation and therapy, as well as training and employment opportunities, camps, and many other services for both children and adults. After meeting the people who ran the volleyball tournament, I was hooked into helping this organization stay alive. With the support from those who participate in the Volleyball Tournament, Easter Seals is able to continue to provide all these services to every single existing and new person who walks into their doors. 
This year's Easter Seals Volleyball Tournament runs from Friday, March 16 to Sunday, March 18, 2012. There are 4 levels of play - Recreational, Intermediate, Advanced, and Power. You can have your pick of certain time slots, but it's first come, first serve (no pun intended), so register soon! Click here to learn more about and register for the Easter Seals Volleyball Tournament!
HYPE Cup players can earn an extra two
points for participating. Two points per HYPE Cup player on any team
(Entire team need not be HYPE Cup participants.)