Dodgeball Tournament Raises Funds to Help Cary Play
Cary, NC – Cary’s dodgeball tournament returns this weekend with 15 teams competing. Spectators can not only watch the competition unfold but also help raise money for scholarships in town.
Dodgeball for Scholarships
The Town of Cary Dodgeball Tournament takes place at the Bond Park Community Center this Saturday, March 23, 2019 in an all-day, coed competition, with strict rules on throwing, catching, blocking and retrieving dodgeballs.
All team fees go to the Play It Forward Scholarship Fund, which helps Cary residents afford town recreation events through a scholarship to pay for fees.
The fund started in 2003 and Cary Special Services Supervisor Sonya Snyder said annually, the fund awards around $25,000.
“Most of the scholarship fund is raised through events the town co-sponsors or from outside groups holding events to raise funds,” Snyder said.
Each year, Snyder said the amount the Play It Forward Scholarship Fund can award is based on how much these events can raise.
“It’s the responsibility of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources advisory board to make sure we have those funds,” Synder said.
Importance of the Fund
Through the Dodgeball Tournament, the Play It Forward Scholarship Fund raises money through both registration fees and donations from spectators in attendance. The event also has sponsors, and this year’s platinum and presenting sponsor is Chick-Fil-A of Stone Creek Village, which is also donating lunch for players and volunteers. There will also be tournament t-shirts for sale.
This year, 15 teams are competing in both the recreational and advanced divisions, up from 12 teams last year. At stake for the teams are prizes for first, second and third place, which earn them gift cards to Spirits Pub & Grill at 701 E Chatham St. Also, the team judged as “best dressed” will also win gift cards.
Since the Play It Forward Scholarship Fund started, Synder said it has opened up to all age groups and everyone from preschool age children to seniors are participating in town events thanks to the fund.
“We’re now encouraging parents to participate as well,” Snyder said. “We have wellness classes with fitness, yoga and meditation, for example, and it’s important that the parents take time for themselves as well.”
Through the scholarship fund, Snyder said the goal is for all Cary residents to have an equal opportunity to participate in town events.
“We want to have the whole family participate,” Snyder said.
The Town of Cary Dodgeball Tournament is this Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 150 Metro Park Dr.
Story by Michael Papich. Photos courtesy of the Town of Cary.
