SHREVEPORT, La. — More than 80 softball teams from across the Ark-La-Tex and beyond are competing this weekend in the 48th annual Sickle Cell Softball Tournament at Cargill Park, where players and supporters are raising money for people living with sickle cell disease.
The annual fundraiser began Friday, with tournament games getting underway Saturday morning. Competition is continuing through the weekend.
A $5 admission fee is charged for every vehicle entering Cargill Park during the tournament. Organizers say the event promotes fitness, fellowship and community while raising money for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.
For participant Shuntez Smith, the tournament holds special meaning after his son was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
"What better way to represent him and represent ourselves than coming here?" Smith said. "I have the trait, my son has it and my sister has it. It's a family thing, so this is how we show our support."