Kickball tournament Saturday

For many of us, there’s something very nostalgic about the ping of a playground ball being kicked during a recess or PE-class game of kickball. For most adults, it’s something we leave behind once we grow up, but Walmart and Turtlefish Clothing are giving people a chance to relive those days, possibly with their own children, during their first annual kickball tournament to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital.
“Over the past three years, we’ve done softball tournaments,” said Walmart Department Manager Ryan Steepleton. “The first one did really well, but after that, interest sort of went down. We decided we’d try something different and more family-friendly.”
Teams of 10 people cost $100 to enter the Saturday, Aug. 10 tournament, and players are advised to be 12 and older. The first game will start at 8 a.m. at the Salem ballfields, and are timed at 55 minutes, seven innings or run rule. WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association) rules will be applied to all games. Area businesses, churches, community organizations or even family groups are welcome to join and there’s currently no limit as to the number of teams the tournament can have.
“With softball tournaments, people already have teams who play,” said Walmart Claims Supervisor Missy Kelley. “This lets people branch out and get new teams together.”
Nancy Predmore, Walmart claims associate, said it’s more open to those not quite so athletic as softball would require. It also takes less personal equipment for teams, as Walmart is providing the game balls and the bases are already on the fields.
“We’re hoping for a lot of fun,” said Predmore.
Concessions will be available and proceeds from that will go to Riley Children’s Hospital as well.
Organizers said there is no rain date as of yet, but they hope to reschedule should the weather prevent the tournament Saturday.
For more information, contact Nick Weymouth at Turtlefish Clothing at 812-586-0457 or Ryan Steepleton at 812-620-2162.