Spend time with heroes

It’s not often you’ll see a mainstream sport like softball in the Locker Room, but some events are too good to pass up. Watch as heroes from around the nation step up to the plate for the third annual Charity Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Tournament, presented by Jethro’s BBQ on Sept. 25-27. This year the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) — which has a three-year waiting list for appearances — is flying in to participate in the softball tournament in various ways.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Tournament will take place Sept. 25-27.

“The Wounded Warrior Softball Team was started as a way to inspire and educate the public but also help with the health and welfare of wounded warrior amputees,” said Spencer Black of the WWAST. “The team travels around the USA showing what can be done even if you have a limitation.”

Catch all the action and fun as events and games will take place all weekend. Begin the fundraising weekend by attending a meet and greet with the team Friday night at Walker-Johnston Park. These men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again, playing against able-bodied teams in exhibition games across the country.

There will also be a Home Run Derby and Skills Session where you can join these guys on the field. The draft will also be held Friday evening and is open to men and women to sign up.

“The draft tournament is open to whoever wants to sign up,” Black said. “The tournament is unique because players sign up individually (not as a team, like most tournaments) and are drafted to a team like a fantasy football snake draft.”

The draft is held the Friday of the tournament weekend, and players show up Saturday morning to see what team they are on.

“The really fun part is you have guys that play low level softball to guys who play on TV, so there is a wide range of ability levels,” said Black. “But, everyone that has played has said the tournament is a lot of fun.”

This year’s games are a little different. Instead of keeping WWAST athletes together, they will be split up so there’s at least one on each team.

“When we talked with some of the WWAST players, they were excited to get to play since they don’t get many opportunities to relax a play with the ‘average Joe,’ ” Black said.

Sunday’s exhibition game will pit the Wounded Warriors against local celebrities. Tim Dwight, Adam Haluska, Greg Brunner, Jeff Woody, Alias Johnson, Mark Charter, Heather Burnside and Nick Ackerman have been confirmed, with more in the works.

“Some of these guys never thought they would walk again, and here they are competing against able-bodied men and women of all skill levels across the country. That is an incredible demonstration of their character,” said Brandi Braune, Cover My 6 Foundation board member. “This is our opportunity to show them some Iowa love and how truly thankful we are for their service and sacrifice.” CV

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 25-27)
Walker-Johnston Park (Friday and Saturday); Principal Park (Sunday)
All ages welcome to attend and watch.
To donate and/or see a complete listing of events, visit www.covermy6foundation.com