Young athletes, coaches, parents, and families from across the country gathered in Crown Point on Wednesday as the city and South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) hosted the opening ceremony for the National Softball Association (NSA)2021 “Open - B - C” North World Series Softball Tournament.
Featuring over 180 teams from states as far as New York, the tournament is the culmination of a long season for the more than 1000 girls taking part. Thanks to the Region’s thriving softball scene, including many high-quality fields and athletic complexes, Northwest Indiana is a perfect match to hosting those athlete’s ambitions, and has been since 2007.
“It’s a world series, these athletes play for this just like those in the major leagues do,” said Bill Horton, president and CEO of NSA. “It’s a hotbed up here for NSA teams. There are many associations around the nation, but in this part of the country, we’re very strong. These athletes look to play NSA ball and to come to this world series.”
The day featured a packed schedule for the athletes, coaches, and families in attendance. They visited the Crown Point Sportsplex for various meetings and check-ins, while the girls competed in a skills competition for various prizes. Then, they traveled to Bulldog Park for a party and the traditional Parade of Teams, where each team marches through the crowd in unique outfits.
“All the girls dress-up and get really into it,” said Erika Dahl, Director of Communications for the SSCVA. “They come up with matching themes; some of them are wearing tutus or hula skirts. It’s really fun to watch.”
A number of local businesses came out in support of the event, such as local restaurants Prime Steakhouse and Jax’s Crown Town Grill. Moda Beauty Bar set up shop and offered all the girls free braid stylings.
“We’re known for our hospitality,” Dahl said. “We pride ourselves on all the extras we can give each organization that comes here for an event. We want to thank the City of Crown Point and Mayor Uran for providing such a wonderful facility, and to thank the businesses nearby for helping us welcome all these families.”
Last year, the tournament itself still occurred here in the Region, but COVID-19 meant the opening ceremonies did not. Crown Point Mayor David Uran was excited to see the celebration return.
“Hopefully everybody’s going to have a great time,” Mayor Uran said. “We’ve got a state-of-the-art softball complex, with a championship-style field, a stadium-style field, and Bulldog Park with the historic downtown courthouse. All that really gets us circled on the calendar to have them come back each and every year.”
The NSA North World Series Softball Tournament is set to last through July 25, with games taking place on fields all across the Region.
“These girls work together, play together, and then get to visit and compete in an area that they might never have seen before,” Dahl said. “We’re lucky as the South Shore that we can host them and showcase all the great things we have here.”
To learn more about the NSA Fastpitch World Series, visit nsafastpitchworldseries.com. For more information about the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, visit www.southshorecva.com.
