MCT Elder Chair Volleyball Tournament Shines in District 4

March 20, 2026

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

SANTAN, Ariz. — The Tribal Recreation & Wellness Department (TRW) hosted the Mul-Chu-Tha (MCT) Elderly Chair Volleyball tournament at District 4 Multi-Purpose Facility on Feb. 27-28. Thirty-two teams participated, with 16 teams from Gila River and 16 teams from other tribes.

Paula Turtles from California won the Gold Division Championship, and Jack Rabbits I from District 1 were the runner-up. Soboba from California won the Silver Division Championship, and Hashan Kehk II from District 2 was the runner-up.

Several hundred people attended the Mul-Chu-Tha Volleyball Tournament. On the final day, Lt. Gov. Regina Antone gave the luncheon blessing. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis gave the championship remark.

“Let’s give the Gold and Silver Champions a round of applause. Give the TRW staff and volunteers a round of applause as well. They did an outstanding job,” said Gov. Lewis. “This volleyball tournament kicks off the 2026 Mul-Chu-Tha,” he added.

“The championship game was a battle. Our opponent played very well. We came from behind to win,” said Richard Lavado, team captain for Paula Turtles. “Blackwater is a good team,” he added.

“We usually win, but today we didn’t have enough. Paula Turtles is the team to beat. They were really determined today,” said Lynelle Blackwater, assistant coach and player for Jack Rabbits I. “Chair volleyball really brings us together to exercise and socialize.”

“The tournament result is good. We won the Silver Division Championship,” said Charles, team captain for Soboba I.

“We did good this time. We’re the runner-up in the Silver Division Championship,” said Greg Lewis, team captain for Hashan Kehk II. “It was a good game. We were there to play. We had a good time,” he added.