The Special Olympics Kentucky State Softball Tournament is returning to Owensboro this weekend for the first time since 2007. Forty teams and more than 500 athletes will compete at Jack C. Fisher Park.
Mark Buerger, communications director for Special Olympics Kentucky, said the decision to bring the tournament back to Owensboro was influenced by the community’s enthusiasm and improved facilities.
“The City and the Parks Department reached out to us and showed a commitment to bringing the tournament back,” Buerger said. “We were impressed with the renovations at Jack C. Fisher Park and the support from Visit Owensboro and Owensboro Parks and Recreation.”
The tournament begins Friday at 6 p.m. and will feature 36 teams competing in the state championship and four teams participating in a team skills competition. This year marks the first time the skills competition, which tests players in various drills like base running and throwing, will be held in Owensboro.
“It’s great because it gives teams that didn’t qualify for the main tournament a chance to still compete and be part of the weekend’s activities,” Buerger said. “There will also be a party on the pier for our athletes on Saturday night, organized by Visit Owensboro, which will be a unique experience by the riverfront.”
Softball is Special Olympics Kentucky’s second-largest team sport, following basketball, with a record 65 teams participating in qualifying tournaments this year. Owensboro has four squads participating; three will compete in the state championship, and one will compete in the skills competition.
“We are excited for Special Olympics athletes across the state to come to Owensboro to compete in a quality state event and be on the receiving end of the unparalleled support of our community,” said local organizer Kim Johnson.
The games begin on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. and will continue throughout the weekend, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Most of the championship games are scheduled for Sunday.
“This is an opportunity for our local athletes to show off their skills in front of friends and families,” Johnson said. “We also can’t wait to celebrate with our Special Olympics friends at the party on the pier Saturday night in our beautiful downtown.”
The event is free for spectators who want to see what Special Olympics softball is about.
For more information and to view the tournament bracket, visit soky.org.
