UPDATE: Cops for Kids tournament postponed

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

The 25th Annual Cops for Kids Softball Tournament set for Saturday has been rescheduled for July 18.

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter said the postponement is due to expected inclement weather.

Previously posted:

Local police, firefighters and public safety personnel are preparing for some friendly competition, all for a good cause.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Floyd County Police Department are sponsoring the annual Cops for Kids softball tournament April 25 at the Alto Park Softball Complex on Burnett Ferry Road.

All proceeds go to the Floyd County Special Olympics, with teams paying a $250 entry fee.

There is no admission charge, but spectators are able to contribute by purchasing food and drink from the concessions and making donations.

The ceremonial first pitch is set for 8:30 a.m. Games are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and continue all day.

This year’s event will consist of 13 teams featuring men and women from several law enforcement and emergency response agencies in the area.

Among them are two from the FCSO, as well as teams from Rome Police, Rome-Floyd Fire, Floyd County Police, U.S. Marshals, Polk County Police, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is where we all have fun and, even if we win or lose, everybody wins at the end of the day,” said Cpl. Chris Parton, the coach of one of the FCSO teams and an organizer.

“We’re all doing this for one reason.”

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter and Floyd County police Maj. Tom Ewing presented a check for $3,000 to Floyd County Special Olympics this year, all collected through donations and support for the annual tournament.

Deputy Brian Hardeman, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said a lot of the kids who compete in the Special Olympics will be at the tournament for the first pitch.

“A big thing when we go out and play is, it builds camaraderie among a lot of the agencies,” Hardeman said.

“But then you go out to the Special Olympics and see the goodwill this generates, and who this helps. That’s when the real payback comes around.”

Hardeman said the money raised goes to help the children and their caregivers, such as foster parents and other guardians.

Parton said they get help from the community through sponsors and volunteers, including certified umpires who officiate each game of the double-elimination tournament.

Source: Rome News

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