HICKORY -The Lenoir-Rhyne Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is hosting a volleyball tournament on Saturday April, 30 to raise money for the Zahra Baker All-Children's playground.

"This is important to SOTA because the goal of occupational therapy is to help people live life to the fullest. The park will enhance the community of Hickory by providing a place for all children to play, regardless of ability level," said Kayla Latham, President of SOTA at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Teams can be made of four to eight players, and there is a $5 fee per person. All proceeds will go directly toward the playground.

"I am excited to see the Student Occupational Therapy Association get involved in this project," said President of the Western Catawba Kiwanis Club Steve Aaron. "Their efforts will go a long way in raising money for the playground project, but more importantly, in raising community awareness that this project is in progress and that everyone can help."

The tournament is open to the community and students of Lenoir-Rhyne University.

"The entire Hickory community was affected by the Zahra Baker case. I don't think there was a person left untouched by Zahra's story," said Latham. "With the time and effort that so many citizens of Hickory have invested in this matter already, we decided to open this up as an opportunity for them to give back to this cause."

The deadline to register is April 15. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Lambeth at jennifer.lambeth@my.lr.edu.

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