ARLINGTON, VA - In tribute to the First Responders at the Pentagon-Arlington County's fire and police departments-the Arlington Girls Softball Association hosts a fastpitch softball tournament on Sept. 14 and 15 in Arlington. Arlington and area girls' softball teams will compete against guest teams from New York and Pennsylvania, as well as Delaware and Maryland.
The tournament, to be played at the Virginia Highlands Park at S. Joyce and S. 15th Street, midway between the Pentagon and Arlington's Fire Station 5, is part of Arlington County's Sept. 11 commemorative events. Sheri Burlingame, widow of American Airlines flight 77 pilot Charles Burlingame, will throw out the first ball at the 10:00 a.m. opening ceremony on Sept. 14.
"This tournament is about bringing together youth, who witnessed this horrific tragedy from their respective cities, and now gather to pay tribute to the First Responders," said George Barusso, tournament director. "One of the lessons from Sept. 11 was about the importance of building community and we're building community on the softball diamond," Barusso added. "Many of these teams are driving more than six hours on Friday to be a part of this event."
The opening ceremony on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. will include U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Mira Ricardel, Arlington Fire Department Chief Edward Plaugher, Arlington Police Chief Edward Flynn, and the Arlington Police and Fire Honor Guards.
Thirteen softball teams, in 12 and 14 under age divisions, will play 19 games in round-robin play starting Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing through early Sunday afternoon. Saturday night Fire Station 5 will be the site of a barbecue catered for the teams by H I Ribsters.
Tournament winners will have their team names inscribed on the First Responders Cup donated by Dan Kain Trophies of Arlington. The Cup for this annual tournament will prominently reside in an Arlington Fire Station. Each player will receive a limited edition 9/11 commemorative pin.
Tournament sponsors include the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association; Arlington Police Beneficiary Association; Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources; The Cadmus Group, Inc.; Westfield Realty; ICF Consulting; the Metro Washington DC Amateur Softball Association; the Doubletree Hotel, and HI Ribsters. The public is invited and Arlington County is providing extra bleachers and portable facilities for the event. All net proceeds raised from the tournament will be donated to Police and Fire charities and other charities supporting Sept. 11 victims.
