Seventy-two Slo-pitch teams and supporters from across B.C. and as far away as Calgary Alberta converged upon Summerland once again for the Action Fest Slo-Pitch Tourney weekend June 1, 2 and 3.
The tourney has been full every year with a maximum 72 teams, usually with teams on a waiting list.
Many teams have returned year after year and some of their children are now joining or taking over what their parents started.
Enquiries have come from as far away as Texas, Saskatchewan and Alberta over the years and in 2009 Summerland hosted an enthusiastic and personable team from Toowoomba, Australia.
Because of the unique format of the tourney every team, no matter how inexperienced, has a shot at winning and good entertaining family fun and sportsmanship is the name of the game.
Teams entering the tournament are selected on a first-come first-serve basis.
Another drawing card for the event is the prize packages that are up for grabs.
There are a total of 21, which include three most sportsmanlike prizes and prizes for first and second place finishers in each of the nine divisions.
All of the money received from the affordable entry fee goes back into the tourney, which allows for the many prizes for the event as well as carded umpires.
The tourney organization has also assisted with the maintenance of the Dale Meadows Complex fields and donates to Kidsport Summerland which allows local children who may not be able to afford fees to participate in sports programs.
Recognition and thanks from the organizers go to the residents of Summerland for being so hospitable and supportive, as well as to the various mayors and councils for solidly supporting slo-pitch these many years by providing fields and facilities that are the envy of many other communities.
The organizers also thank Dale MacDonald, recreation director for his hard work, foresight and creativity in developing the playing fields.
This year a new enclosed playground was added to the Dale Meadows complex with a netting cover to protect the little ones from balls.
Some Summerland businesses have also been supportive for years including Summerland and District Credit Union, CIBC, Zia’s Stonehouse Restaurant and the Summerland Timbr-Mart.
Organizers also thank Steve, Roger, Brian Harris as well as Bob Ezart and the seniors slow pitch team.