Four local Special Olympics softball teams are set to compete this Saturday at the Owensboro Catholic Youth Baseball-Softball complex behind St. Pius X. The games are scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and offer each team an opportunity to qualify for the state tournament.
The games feature three teams from the ‘A1’ Division and three teams from the ‘B’ Division. Teams competing from Owensboro include the Terminators, Blasters, Angels, and Stingers. The remaining two teams are from the Western KY Bears organization that includes athletes from across western Kentucky.
Special Olympics sports were put on hold from March of 2020 to April of 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtney French, organizer of the event, is excited to return to play — as are the many participants.
“Generally there are some invitational tournaments out there, but because of COVID we didn’t get to play all last year,” French said. “Our last event was basketball in 2020 … This is the first major event in a long time — participation is nearing an all-time high within our teams.”
The three teams from each division will play within a round-robin format for an opportunity to advance to regionals in Paducah in August, and then state in Bowling Green in September. Teams are required to participate in a minimum of two exhibition contests to qualify for regionals.
The Owensboro Catholic League boasts six fields and organizes baseball and softball leagues for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 13. Their many volunteers will aid in preparing the field, providing umpires, and assisting in as many ways possible for this Saturday’s event.
“We have Catholic in our name, but we are a league and a facility for the whole community,” said league president Michael Murphy. “We just want to provide an opportunity and place for everybody to play sports.”
Owensboro has had one team win the state tournament in recent years, a feat that these four teams are working toward.
“I really appreciate (the Catholic League) and all they do for the community — Matt has always worked with me, and we’re super appreciative,” French said. “To me, it’s about these individuals having an equal opportunity to do things that all individuals enjoy.”
