Most times when you hear the word ‘tournament’ you automatically think about hard-fought competition and doing anything you can to win.
The eighth annual Fort Erie Charity Slo-Pitch tournament was held last Saturday and Sunday with 20 teams participating, each raising money for their own charity or non-profit organization of choice. In total, over $4,000 was raised for a variety of local causes such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), the South Niagara Life Centre, the Cpl. Albert Storm playground project, Community Living, and many more. The tournament also ran a food drive for Community Outreach Program Erie and St. George’s Catholic Church. Ward 1 Coun. Sandy Annunziata threw the ceremonial first pitch on behalf of the team representing BBBS. The tournament started eight years ago in memory of Melissa Bestward wo passed away 11 years ago from cancer at the age of 25. “She was hugely involved in the community and local events,†said the tournament’s co-ordinator Kristy Zucarelli.
She said the event seems to be getting a lot more interest from residents. Four teams had to be added this year annd she expects this will continue in the future.