Kickball Tournament Engages Community Children in Fun
It was kickball, food, and a whole lot of fun at The Future is Yours Community Kickball Tournament that was held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Frogtown Asphalt in Bolivar. The event was coordinated by Troymeca Wilkes, just an area parent who wants to make a difference in the lives of children and teens in Hardeman County.
“The Community Kickball Tournament was held to shed some positive light on the Hardeman County community and give the kids a positive environment to have fun and just be kids,” said Wilkes. “I decided to choose a sport that is gender friendly for all ages and something that everyone was able to participate in that didn’t require a certain skill to play. The tournament turned out great because the kids had fun playing and competing.”
Attendees participated in several activities other than kickball that included a three-point contest, sack race, egg and spoon race, three-legged race, face painting, tic-tack-toe toss, and jump rope. This was the first time Wilkes held the event partnering with Forever The Family Kennels (FTF).
“I chose that business first because I love dogs and a dog is a man’s best friend. My dog has gotten me through so many emotional and stressful times,” said Wilkes who lost her father, Troy Lee, on November 14, 2022, after a two-year battle with throat cancer. “I plan to partner with small business owners out of Hardeman County all summer to help promote their business and allow them to give back to the community that has helped build their businesses.”
Wilkes was assisted by Jerome Chappell who gave certificates to all the children who participated in the tournament. Chappell, who has given back to the community in a positive way by coaching children in the City of Bolivar sports league for more than 20 years, gave Wilkes and FTF plaques to recognize their contribution to helping children in Hardeman County. Wilkes also noted she received help from City of Bolivar Mayor McTizic and his wife Demetria with putting together the tournament.
“I’m a firm believer in a child is a product of their environment. Some kids in Hardeman County don’t get to vacation for the summer or have a positive home environment and are robbed of their childhood at an early age,” said Wilkes. “Every moment in a child’s life matters, so if I can save a child from getting into trouble by being at one of my events, then I’ve done my job.”
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