HILO — All you need is a ball, preferably a large inflated one, and willing and able bodies.
That said, kickball is harder than it appears, even if you’re on the winning team, said Laupahoehoe’s Eugene Valencia Jr.
“Trying to catch one when it’s in the air, it always goes in a different direction,” Valencia said. “It’s unpredictable.”
Kickball is considered a kid’s game to many, but adults of all ages got into the action as well Saturday at Walter Victor Stadium. One after another, players had varied degrees of success booting the ball, all the while providing the perfect metaphor for PARENTS Inc.’s inaugural tournament.
The message: kick child abuse and neglect out of Hawaii.
“We wanted to put the fun back in fundraiser,” said Lisa Groulx, executive director of the Oahu-based organization. “We’re a family-strengthening organization, so we want to make sure we have an activity that brings families together.
“I don’t think we could have had a better day. We were very pleased. The whole community rallied together.”
The day started at 8 a.m. with seven teams playing on three fields, and it ended in the midafternoon under a dazzling sun as Team Inspire of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council won the title game 9-3, finishing a 7-0 run through the double-elimination tournament.
“The hardest thing was (scoring) a run,” said Valencia, whose team of eight paid $250 to enter.
Kids as young as 8 were allowed to play, and for those younger there was a keiki zone.
PARENTS Inc. (providing awareness, referrals, education, nurturing, therapy and support) will host its fifth annual kickball tournament this year on Oahu, and Big Island program director Cheryl Jackson never doubted the format would be a hit in Hilo.
“The Hilo staff said Hilo would love this, and I think Hilo does love this,” Jackson said. “It’s a great community event and Hilo likes to come out for community events.”
Groulx and Jackson were grateful for the corporate sponsorship, media reception — the title game will broadcast on the Big Island’s Na Leo TV — and donations they received.
While they fully intend to be back for the tournament next season, Valencia was noncommittal.
“Maybe,” the 40-year-old said. “It’s hard work, but not a bad way to spend the day. It’s about teamwork and sportsmanship.”