SHREVEPORT, La. — The Northwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the city of Shreveport, and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, in partnership with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, will host the 48th annual Sickle Cell Softball Tournament next week.
The event kicks off July 10 with tournament play continuing through July 12 at Cargill Park. The annual competition is expected to bring hundreds of participants and their families from across the South to the Shreveport-Bossier community.
The tournament is sanctioned by the American Softball Association. Festivities begin Friday with a variety of activities, including a kid’s zone, senior play, a home run derby, and a long ball competition, concluding with a fireworks display. Regular tournament play is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
"The Sickle Cell Softball Tournament is a valued tradition that brings our community together while creating a meaningful impact beyond the playing field," said Sara Nelms, director of sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission at Visit Shreveport-Bossier. Nelms noted that the event strengthens the local economy as visitors stay in hotels and support local businesses.
Tournament Director Herman Vital said teams are traveling from across the South to participate.
"This tournament isn’t just about the game — it’s about raising awareness and funds for the fight against sickle cell," Vital said.
The Northwest Louisiana chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America was founded in 1974. While it began with a focus on community education, the organization has expanded to provide client support services, advocacy, and awareness initiatives for individuals living with sickle cell conditions.