NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
CONTACT:
Mike Arvidson Luann McMahan
Fastpitch Softball Director Fastpitch Softball Committee Member
michaelarvidson@hotmail.com mnlegionsoftball@gmail.com
701-318-0926 507-440-7690
James Olson
Mankato American Legion Post 11 Commander
olson457@gmail.com
507-525-2957
Mankato to be site of first Minnesota American Legion Fastpitch Softball State Tournament
MANKATO — The first Minnesota American Legion Fastpitch Softball Tournament is set for July 30-31 at Jaycee Park in Mankato, with a banquet at the Kato Ballroom on the evening of July 29.
Mankato American Legion Post 11 will host. Commander James Olson is tournament director.
“We are going back to Mankato for another state tournament, and this time, it’s for the girls,” said Minnesota American Legion Fastpitch Softball Committee member Luann McMahan.
Back in 1926, Mankato was the location of the first Minnesota American Legion Baseball Tournament.
“As an American Legion member, I am thrilled to see our female youth athletes being given the same opportunity as the male ones to play sports in the summer,” McMahan said. “The wonderful thing about all our youth programs is connecting our youth with our veterans, the Legion organization, and helping them understand the principles of Americanism, citizenship, sportsmanship, loyalty and team spirit.”
McMahan is an Air Force veteran of the Global War on Terrorism and a member of Adams Post 146. She lives in Dodge Center.
Minnesota American Legion Softball Director Michael Arvidson of Parkers Prairie is familiar with Legion sports through his involvement on the state baseball committee.
“We are planning a major celebration for this first tournament, possibly with a flyover,” he said.
He reminds teams there still is time to register for the softball program by going to minnesotalegionsoftball.com. Team registration fee is $500, and working with local Legion posts and Legion Auxiliary units can help raise the funds for team expenses, including the registration fees, or contact McMahan or Arvidson for finding assistance.
The website has artwork for the required patches on the uniform. Please register by Memorial Day.
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