They said it couldn't be done, it was the middle of summer and teens would be gone on vacation, to the cottage or to the Ottawa Exhibition so it would not be possible to host a softball tournament for teens in the middle of summer. Not only was it proven that it was possible but with a rousting success as well. In addition to the summer holidays there was a power outage that was also overcome.

John Turner, a member of the Parkwood Hills Softball Association Executive spent a month trying to put together the mixed boys and girls teen tournament, extending invitations to various softball associations or leagues in the city such as Manotick, Cumberland and Kanata to mention a few but these leagues already had something else going or had closed for the season. Just when it looked like it was impossible after all, the PHSA teens formed a team then Barrhaven answered the call sending 2 teams as well as a team put together by John's daughter Kristina. Kristina has always played on her father's teams, who is also a coach in the PHSA and this time she wanted to challenge her father to a duel and not only did she put together a team of friends who have never played before but her team also made it to the finals to play against her father's undefeated team. A total surprise to everyone.

A total of 4 teams played in this series on the Medhurst diamonds on Saturday and Sunday Aug 16th and 17th raising funds that will be donated to the Musclar Dystrophy Labour Day telethon. A total of $300 dollars was raised by these remarkable teens. Asked, what prompted John to put together this tournament his reply was; since I was already told that I might not succeed in putting together softball games in the summer for the teens and I did, we have games every Thursday at Fisher Heights, the girls and guys asked me for a greater challenge other than playing against themselves so I put a call to Bob Ray of Barrhaven and we had a game one Thursday night but still my players wanted another challenge so I came up with the idea of a tournament and that the proceeds would go to a charity and in my discussion with the Vice President of the PHSA, Shawn Seary who is also instrumental in the success of the summer ball games as well as the tournament, we chose the MD Labour Day Telethon.

Everyone from both the boys and girls who made up the teams, the coaches, the parents and friends who came to give their support had a great time, it was a great tournament and everyone is looking forward to another one soon to close out yet another successful softball season.

A special word of thanks go out to Gabe, Mike, and Paul, the umpires for volunteering their time and services for which it would have been difficult to have the games without. Thanks also go to Shawn Seary for his encouragement and support, Scott and his wife Debbie, Bob Ray and his wife, Jamie Johnson and his wife Laura and Gerry Lelievre to name a few hard working supporters. Special Thanks also go to all the players who played through the sweltering heat of the 2 days of perfect weather.

Presentation of plaque from Muscular Dystrophy Canada to PHSA Teens