18 Mar 2024 Autism Awareness Stock Bat Tournament benefits nonprofit organization
JACKSONVILLE—Keep an eye on Dupree Park in Jacksonville the weekend of April 19-21. Six newly renovated fields will host an exciting three-day adventure! The United States Specialty Sports Association of Arkansas, or AR USSSA, is partnering with Jacksonville’s own Pathfinder, Inc. to host the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Tournament.
According to Joe Stoute, the USSSA Assistant State Director, the sports organization is hoping to create an atmosphere that is different than any of the other events in the state. At the heart of the event, this tournament is a fundraiser for Pathfinder, Inc.—an organization that provides special programs for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities to pursue total access to community life. As a little bit of icing on top, it will also allow players of all levels to interact with the top players and reps in the game, and it will bring something unique to our community.
Here’s the lowdown – Slowpitch bat companies from all over the U.S. will be traveling to Jacksonville to make their mark on this event and highlight who they are. These companies include Pure, Anarchy, Juno, Dudley, Monsta, Worth, Miken, Easton, Competitive Edge, Axe, Proton, Demarini, Suncoast and Louisville Slugger! Each one will sponsor and, in turn, host different fields throughout the three days of play, allowing players to test out their product when they play on that field.
Along with their bats, these companies will also be teaming up with 30 professionals in the slowpitch softball world. Players from more than 80 teams will be given opportunities to play alongside the professionals in exchange for tickets purchased, once again benefiting Pathfinder, Inc.
The tournament will kick off on Friday, April 19th, with the following schedule:
6 pm – 9 pm Field 2 Kids Free Play
6 pm-9:45 pm Fields 5, 6, 7 Bat Demo
7 pm – 9 pm Field 2 Stock Bat Qualifier Homerun Derby
7 pm – 9:45 pm Fields 3, 4 All Star Games with Pathfinders Athletes**
10 pm – Midnight Field 2 Pros VS Joes Homerun Derby Bracket
Midnight – 8 am ALL FIELDS Co-Ed All-Nighter Games
A DJ will be playing music all night long, beginning at 6 pm, near Field 2.
Saturday, April 20th, and Sunday, April 21st, will also be chock full of games on all fields. Categories for Men’s E, Men’s Open/D, and Women’s C & below will all begin their games at 8 a.m. each day. To add to the excitement, a Silent Auction will also be held on Saturday the 20th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Additionally, there will be foods like shrimp, crawfish, boudin and crab legs available for purchase, as well as the field’s concession stands and special teas from Titan Nutrition.
***Although there are no more slots available for teams to participate on the field, AR USSSA would love to encourage anyone who is interested to come out and enjoy the event, specifically on Friday evening for the All Star Game at 7 p.m. Get to know Pathfinder, Inc, and some of the wonderful individuals that this spectacular event will benefit.
This event would not be possible without our incredibly supportive Premier Sponsors: Fence Brokers and the Jacksonville A&P Commission, as well as our Community Sponsors: Blane Dunn Construction, J Cole Construction, Bodiddle Wine & Spirits, Chili’s, Jacksonville FAB&T, Competitive Edge, Dudley, Gwatney Chevrolet and Unity Health. For more information on how you can get involved in this event, contact Joe Stoute at 501.297.0750, or email at [email protected].
