DA hosting second benefit softball tournament

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More than 100 Wood County first responders will sport a different uniform Saturday, Oct. 16 on the softball diamond to raise money for the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC). 

The Wood County District Attorney’s Office has partnered with UT Health East Texas to host the second annual First Responders Co-Ed Softball Tournament. All proceeds including entry fees, corporate sponsorships, concessions and donations will benefit the NETCAC.

The NETCAC, opened in 1998, is a non-profit organization committed to preventing child abuse and neglect. NETCAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment to children 2-17 who allegedly have been sexually or severely physically abused or have been a witness to a violent crime.

Children who come to the NETCAC are allowed to tell their experiences in a non-leading way to a trained forensic interviewer rather than having to repeat it multiple times to multiple agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution, reducing the trauma to the child. Since the organization’s conception more than 9,900 children’s voices have been heard because of the Advocacy Center. 

District Attorney Angela Albers said the tournament corporate sponsor has been wonderful and more than 25 sponsors have joined.

Play begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Quitman High School softball field and the Quitman Youth Foundation Complex and continues all day. Admission is free. 

Nine teams are entered. Winners advance to the semifinals with the top two teams meeting for the championship title and trophy. 

There will be t-shirts for sale and other activities including GellyBall hosted by Blue Line Paintball & Events. GellyBall is an ultra low impact sport suitable for kids four and up to adults. GellyBall blasters use a soft gel ball and are shot out of an easy-to-use electronic blaster. The soft GellyBalls bounce off leaving no stain, mess and virtually pain free.

Snow cones, food trucks and concessions will also be available.

Albers hopes the event will serve as an inspiring, positive environment for first responders while raising funds for a good cause and bringing awareness to domestic violence.

“We want to involve the community so they can see this positive interaction among the agencies as well as provide a fun event for everyone to enjoy,” she said. 

Team registration and sponsorship is closed.