The May 3 Kickin’ It for Down Syndrome Kickball Tournament raised more than $38,000, said organizer Shelley Adams.
“It is by far the most we’ve raised over the past eight years,” Adams said.
Adams estimated that about 500 people attended the event, which raised money through sponsorships, team registration, raffle ticket sales, car show registration and concession sales.
“The day was fabulous,” Adams said. “This is no ordinary kickball tournament. It is full of Down syndrome awareness and all the joy that comes with it.”
The annual tournament raises money for Upside Downs, a nonprofit that supports kids with Down syndrome and their families. This year, 16 teams competed. Teams are paired with a member of the Down syndrome community as their team captain, though some bring their own captains.
To kick off the tournament, the team captains danced through the tunnel to the walkout song of their choice. Angie Dugas, a mother of a team captain, sang the national anthem with the captains. This year’s event included a car show, a DJ, a kids’ corner and a permanent jewelry vendor. Salon Stylush added glitter and fun hairstyles to interested attendees and face painting was also available. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office displayed their SWAT team, boats, K-9 unit and their drone unit at the event.
Students from Destrehan High School volunteered at the event. The football team helped umpire the games, the school’s honor society helped manage the kids’ zone, and the softball team played in the tournament.
“They all were very happy to be there and expressed how much they loved the tournament and never really experienced anything like it,” Adams said. “The participation overall was phenomenal. It was a beautiful day, and we absolutely made the best of it.”
Adams said she already has plans for next year, including spreading the tournament across the entire park and adding additional vendors.
Adams said she enjoyed watching her 14-year-old son Cole, who has Down syndrome, interact with his team and the other team captains.
“Just seeing how happy the teams were to have the captains be an actual part of the team was the absolute highlight for me,” she said.
Cole’s team won the tournament.
“Cole would also likely say that the award was a highlight as well,” Adams said. “He tried to wear it to school the next day.”
Adams said she thinks the tournament is so successful because it’s the only specific Down syndrome event in the parish.
“I’ve heard from so many people from moms of the team captain to spectators who were all thankful for the event and expressed how much joy they left with,” she said. “I am just in awe, not only of the day, but the community that supported it and made it possible for us to raise such a great amount of money that will go a long way in the Down syndrome community.”