South Holland Hosts Pre-Cursor Tournament to Little League Softball World Series

When summer brings the warmth of the sun, an increase in peanuts and Cracker Jack sales and chants of “We want a pitcher, not a belly-itcher,” it can mean only one thing, the 2016 Junior League Girls Softball Tournament comes to South Holland, July 22nd – 27th.

The nine-team tournament, which is a pre-cursor to the Little League Junior League Softball World Series, will be held again in South Holland at Veterans Memorial Park. Featuring up to 12 Midwest state-winners, the 2016 Junior League Girls Softball Tournament will bring Chicago Southland softball fans the opportunity to see a tournament of this caliber. “It is an honor to host such an important tournament in the Chicago Southland,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Visit Chicago Southland. “The collaborative effort of our sales team, South Holland Parks and Recreation Department and the Village of South Holland made this happen and is a win-win for everyone.” The opening ceremony for the tournament will be at 5:30 pm on July 22nd. For the latest up-to-date information on tournament play, please visit www.CRJRSBTournament.com.

The tournament will conclude with a closing ceremony on July 27th, honoring the winners and a special game sponsored for the Little League Challenger Program. The game allows for children with a physical or developmental disability to play a game of baseball with their peers. Little League sponsored buddies will be on site to assist any physically disabled child with hitting, base running and other various tasks. “It’s great to have the Little League Challenger Program,” said Sandy Ducat, District Administrator for Little League Baseball, Illinois District 6. “This allows those with disabilities to have the same experience as every child.” The Little League Challenger Program helps over 30,000 developmentally and physically disabled athletes from 10 countries participate in youth baseball. For more information on the Little League Challenger Program, visit LittleLeague.org.