SHREVEPORT, La. — More than 80 softball teams from across the Ark-La-Tex and beyond are competing this weekend in the 48th annual Sickle Cell Softball Tournament at Cargill Park, where players and supporters are raising money for people living with sickle cell disease.
The annual fundraiser began Friday, with tournament games getting underway Saturday morning. Competition is continuing through the weekend.
A $5 admission fee is charged for every vehicle entering Cargill Park during the tournament. Organizers say the event promotes fitness, fellowship and community while raising money for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.
For participant Shuntez Smith, the tournament holds special meaning after his son was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
"What better way to represent him and represent ourselves than coming here?" Smith said. "I have the trait, my son has it and my sister has it. It's a family thing, so this is how we show our support."
Lashonda Gray-Wyrick said she participates in the tournament every year in memory of her late brother-in-law, who died from sickle cell disease.
"The atmosphere is awesome," Gray-Wyrick said. "Even though it's hot, there's music, things for the kids to do."
Tournament director Herman Vital said the gratitude expressed by families affected by sickle cell disease has kept the event going for nearly five decades.
"When I see a sickle cell patient come up and say, 'Thank you for doing what you're doing,' that's what makes it special," Vital said. "The money we raise helps provide educational information, medication and doctor care. These teams could be playing anywhere else, but they never skip the sickle cell tournament."
Organizers hope to raise $20,000 over the span of the weekend. Vital said every dollar raised will go directly toward providing services and support for people living with sickle cell disease.
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