Residents can cheer on their favorite teams at the annual Kickin’ It for Down Syndrome Kickball Tournament Sunday at 8 a.m. at West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.
The event is free and open to the public.
The annual tournament raises money for Upside Downs, a nonprofit that supports kids with Down syndrome and their families. This year, 16 teams will compete. Teams are paired with a member of the Down syndrome community as their team captain, though some bring their own captains.
Organizer Shelley Adams said each year she looks forward to watching teams interact with their captains. Adams’ second child, Cole, was born with Trisomy 21 and a complex hole in his heart. Cole is now 13 years old. He plays baseball, takes hip-hop dance classes, loves to socialize and enjoys school.
Last year, the tournament had 14 sponsors and raised over $20,000. About 500 people attended the event. This year, the event has 23 sponsors.
“We are excited this year for all the new pieces that are being added, and we are expecting it to be a very successful event,” Adams said.
This year’s event will feature a car show, a DJ, a kids’ corner and a permanent jewelry vendor. Salon Stylush will add glitter and fun hairstyles to any interested attendees and facepainting will also be available. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office will display their SWAT units, boats, K-9 unit and their drone unit at the event.
“Attendees are welcome to bring a tent, chairs and anything else they need to be comfortable,” Adams said.
Outside food is discouraged, though pastalaya, jambalaya, hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches will be available for purchase. Attendees can bring in their own alcohol.
Registration for the car show is on site. Adams said she expects to have about 150 cars compete in four different category awards. The Top 20 cars will also receive recognition.
The tournament includes 47 raffle baskets, which alcohol, gift cards and certificates for services and other items. There are also 40 additional prizes that include a crawfish boiler, a smoker, a signed Saints helmet, a portable generator, a wine tasting and other items.
A group of parents, who have children with Down syndrome, founded Upside Downs. The nonprofit provides new parents baskets, educates the medical field on the delivery of a Down syndrome diagnosis, provides scholarships and support for the Bridge Program at Nicholls University, and more.
“They do so many great things throughout the year to celebrate the Down syndrome community and are committed to creating awareness and making this world a better place for them,” Adams said.
Adams said the tournament is a fun day full of awareness.
“Yes, it’s people playing kickball with music, food, and a car show, but when you see connections being made between the individuals with Down syndrome and their families and our participants it’s really something special,” Adams said last year. “I receive emails and messages for weeks and months after the events with notes of how they want to follow up with their team captains, and I get return teams requesting their captains again.”
