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SPORTS ZONE 1: Godfather of Beach Volleyball

Charlie Saikley's friends and colleagues called him the "Godfather of beach volleyball." He worked for California's Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department for over 40 years and ran a famous outdoor beach volleyball tournament there for several decades. But on Friday, June 17, Saikley's legacy came to rest. He died of cancer at the age of 69.

People from all over the world knew Saikley. He organized and assisted hundreds of professional and amateur beach volleyball tournaments. He is remembered to have ran all of his events professionally but with an easygoing beach lifestyle attitude. "I'd say he ran them with a velvet hammer," said former city councilman Steve Napolitano to a reporter at Los Angeles' Daily Breeze. "We got all sorts of characters at these tournaments. And he'd let them be themselves. But when someone flew off the handle and delayed the games, he'd put his foot down and say: 'That's it. Now, go out and play.' "

Others remember him for his creativity. Saikley started a six-on-six beach volleyball tournament in which competitors dressed up in costumes. Two years ago, 8,000 people watched Saikley receive an honorary plaque from the city. Even though he had an easygoing attitude, Saikley was passionate about people, children, and bringing communities together. He accomplished this through his beach volleyball and other beach events.

--Written by Sarah Kurachek

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