By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer 

PELHAM—The game of kickball is growing in popularity, so the Arc of Shelby County and the Pelham YMCA decided to pair up to host a tournament. Kickin’ disAbility Kickball Tournament will be Aug. 22 at 7 a.m. at the soccer fields at the Y.

“With kickball becoming so popular with the leagues in the area, and this is just a great sport where everyone can participate at any skill level,” said Tery Young.

The Arc of Shelby County serves more than 1,000 participants a year, and Young said this tournament is an opportunity for those clients to get out and either play kickball or just enjoy the tournament.

The best part about hosting the event at the YMCA is that the fields are wheelchair accessible, Young said, providing easy access for anyone.

“They are such good friends with us regarding inclusion of our members as far as our clients and employment,” Young said of the YMCA.

Many of the Arc’s clients who are enrolled in employment services have found positions working with the YMCA. She said this partnership has been beneficial to everyone involved.

Kickin’ disAbility Kickball is hosted, in part, by the Arc’s Junior Council Board who thought the tournament would be a great fundraiser for them to participate in with proceeds benefiting both the Y and the Arc.

Not only is the event a fun way to raise money, Young said it also provides the Arc of Shelby County an opportunity to voice its cause. Many people aren’t aware of the services offered by the Arc, so this gives the organization more visibility.

The tournament is open to the public and costs $10 per player. Each team must have a minimum of 10 players to be eligible, and this is open to all skill levels. Brackets will be determined based on skill, and each class of players will earn prizes for top team and most creative uniform.

Concessions will be available the day of the event. For more information or to register a team, visit Thearcofshelby.org or call Tery Young at 664-9313.