The Special Olympics Softball State Tournament is being held at Owensboro’s Jack Fisher Park this weekend. The games kick off tonight at 6 p.m., and play will continue Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m.
This marks the second straight year the tournament will be held at Jack Fisher Park.
“We love Jack Fisher Park and Owensboro,” Special Olympics Kentucky Senior Director of Sports and Programs Holly Vincent said. “Last year was our first year coming back in over 20 years, and it felt like a homecoming. The city and county as a whole have really embraced us. They want us there, and our athletes are excited about the opportunity. We want to go where we are wanted. We will have a victory celebration dance on Saturday, which will take place by the river walk area. I know for the local athletes it is huge for them to have the opportunity to play in front of their home fans because they haven’t been able to do that in over 20 years.”
Teams will be competing across multiple skill levels, including B level (beginner), 1A (intermediate), and 2A (advanced). There are a total of five B divisions, three 1A divisions, and two 2A divisions. Each division is made up of four teams.
Local teams include the Owensboro Purple Crushers (B2), Owensboro Thunder (B3), Owensboro Angels (B4), Owensboro Terminators (1A1), and the Owensboro Blasters (2A1).
The Kentucky Special Olympics has a wide range of ages amongst the athletes, with the youngest being eight and the oldest in their 50s.
“The athletes practice all season,” Vincent said. “Just like any other state tournament in a traditional sport, this is what they work for. In order for them to get to the state tournament and bring home gold is what they all want. It means a lot to them. It means all of their hard work and dedication that they started back in May all come to fruition.”
