MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Fringe Little League Association will kick off its Fifth Annual Coaches Softball Tournament Thursday at the Higinbotham Field in Monongah. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Child Life Program at West Virginia University Children’s Hospital.
The association is composed of the Marion County Little League baseball teams from Mannington, Farmington, South Marion, Fairview, Barrackville, Rivesville, Monongah, Clay-Battelle and East Marion. Games will be played Thursday through Sunday.
The tournament began when the coaches suggested that their players could learn the fundamentals of baseball by watching them play softball. Since its inception in 2007, the tournament has raised more than $22,800 for WVU Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program.
“Our Child Life Program is a vital part of the care we provide to our patients, and we’re very grateful that the Fringe Little League Association has chosen to support it,” Cheryl Jones, R.N., director of WVU Children’s Hospital, said. “We look forward to extending this partnership for another five years and beyond.”
One of the main components of the Child Life Program is play, an important part of children’s lives. During times of stress, such as hospitalization, play can provide something safe and familiar – an opportunity for children to express fear, anxiety and misunderstandings about their hospitalization. To encourage playtime for pediatric patients, WVU Children’s Hospital has an activity center equipped with toys, video games, an air hockey table and other child-friendly items.
For information on the softball tournament contact Larry Kincell at 304-669-7258.
