The Big Summer Swing baseball tournament is returning to Sylvan Lake this weekend.
From May 17-19, eight local teams and 20 visiting teams will take part in the second annual event, tournament organizer and director for 'A' division baseball in Sylvan Lake Dan Williams said.
During the tournament, games will be played at Four Seasons Park, Pogadl Park, and Gulls Stadium.
As well, four different age group,ps including 11U, 13U, 15U, and 1,8U will be participating.
"All the different age groups will be playing in all the locations," Williams said.
In the 11U category teams include:
- three Mariners teams from Sylvan Lake
- Eckville Eagles
- Central Alberta Wolves
- Leduc Giants
- Delburne Dodgers
- Rimbey Rays
In the 13U category teams include:
- three Mariners teams from Sylvan Lake
- Red Deer Gators
- Delburne Dodgers
- Leduc Giants
- Kindersley Royals
- Sundre Stealers
In the 15U category teams include:
- Sylvan Lake Mariners
- Leduc Giants
- Rimbey Rays White
- Rimbey Rays Blue
- Camrose Vikings
- Hinton Rockies
In the 18U category teams include:
- Sylvan Lake Mariners
- Bashaw Bandits
- Airdrie A's
- Leduc Giants
- Edson Prospects
- Hinton Rockies
There are many young athletes from Sylvan Lake, throughout Alberta, and Saskatchewan coming to participate, Williams said.
"These kids work hard and they practice all season getting ready for this."
This tournament being early in the season is also a great team-building experience for the athletes, he added.
"Community teams usually play their games close to home, so, this is a great opportunity for them to get out, travel and play against teams they wouldn't necessarily play against during the regular season."
It would be great to see community members out watching the games, Williams said.
"It would show people value their hard work and dedication to the sport."
Apart from the tournament on Friday night, the Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch Hit and Run event will also take place at Gulls Stadium from 3 to 7 p.m.
"That is a free event program from MLB that is open to any athletes between the ages seven to 14 in baseball or softball to participate in," Williams said.
During the Pitch Hit and Run event, three skill events occur, a timed run, a throwing accuracy component, and a hitting component.
More information about the Pitch Hit and Run event can be found on the website, mlb.com/pitch-hit-and-run.
The schedule for the tournament is available on the Sylvan Lake Minor Ball Facebook page and website, sylvanlakeminorball.ca.