(La Porte, IN) - Well over a thousand youth volleyball players were in La Porte for a major tournament.

 

A national qualifier for the Amateur Athletic Union was held at the Dunes Event Center over a several day period last week.

AAU teams from as far as Fort Wayne and Chicago came to compete.

 

Mayor Tom Dermody said the event also drew a lot of attention from outsiders wondering why there were so many vehicles parked outside the facility at New Porte Landing.

 

“1,300 kids.  Cars everywhere.  Part of the quality of life we’re relentless about,” he said.

 

Dermody said the number of visitors also provided a boost for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.

 

“Something good is always happening in the City of La Porte,” he said.

 

The Dunes Event Center, once known as Dunes Volleyball Club, was founded in 1989. It relocated from the Rolling Prairie area to New Porte Landing when construction of the 50,000 square foot facility was completed several years ago.