KAILUA-KONA — Kupuna from around the state and mainland converged at Old Kona Airport Park this week for the eighth annual Hawaii Mayor’s Cup softball tournament.
Tournament co-chair Bob Fitzgerald started the double-elimination tournament in 2012 while he was director of Parks and Recreation because he saw the potential of a senior softball tournament coming to Hawaii Island.
“This is an economic stimulator for Hawaii Island,” said Fitzgerald.
Fourteen mainland men and six wahine teams from the mainland join 10 Hawaii teams for the four-day tournament that began Monday morning.
The men’s division is for players aged 60 and older; however, a team is allowed a maximum of three players aged 55-59. Wahine teams are allowed players aged 50 and older.
Proceeds from the tournament benefits the United Way of Hawaii and the West Hawaii Parks and Athletic Corporation (WHIPAC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
WHIPAC, along with Parks and Recreation, prepared the master plan for the proposed Kealakehe Regional Park, envisioned as a focal point for organized sports and outdoor recreation and community gathering place.
Fitzgerald said the tournament wouldn’t be possible without support from sponsors, including the county.
“We are honored to host teams from the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, and we extend a warm welcome and aloha to the teams and players from all over the United States,” Mayor Harry Kim said in a message to participants.
Fitzgerald envisions growing the tournament and hosting games around the island, with the championship games played in Kona. He also wants to incorporate tours of all the island has to offer for visiting teams.
Mogs (Mostly Old Guys) was playing back to back games on Tuesday in the blistering heat. The team is made up of players from around the country. Manager Ed Schell said the players from the East Coast and Midwest love to come to this tournament “for obvious reasons.”
“We have been coming here from the beginning,” said Schell, noting members of the Senior Softball USA select what tournaments they would like to play and then put a team together.
The tournament continues today with the women’s championship game and the major division men’s championship. The AAA division will play their championship game on Thursday.
A luau, hosted by Kona Futsal with entertainment by Tahitian halau Te E‘a o te Turama will be held tonight at Makaeo Pavilion.
“We’re having fun,” Schell said. “It’s good to be here.”