Clarksville National Softball League’s Jamboree and Opening Ceremony was held Friday, April 5th

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Clarksville National Softball League Raises Money for Rev. Chad Watson, Presents $1000 Check

Clarksville, TN – Cooling temperatures and strong winds did not stop Clarksville residents from filling the aluminum bleachers outside Morgan and Moore fields Friday, April 4th for the Clarksville National Softball League’s Jamboree and opening ceremonies

Girls in the league ranging from 4-year old tee ballers to 16-year old fast pitch players donned their new brightly colored uniforms, freshly oiled gloves and state of the art safety gear, and participated in single inning Jamboree games before the opening ceremonies.

Clarksville National Softball League’s Jamboree and Opening Ceremony

The 2014 League consists of 23 competing teams, including three tee ball teams and three senior teams (all teams and divisions listed below).

Last season, several All Star teams from the league placed in state competition. The All Stars from the 7/8-year old division finished second in the state.

In addition to the Jamboree games before the opening ceremonies, visitors enjoyed food from the new concession stand and other local vendors as well as other entertainment including face painting and balloon animals folded by magician Russ Nowack.

Magician Russ Nowack folding balloon animals.

Members of the APSU Lady Govs softball team were in attendance, passing out posters and information about their latest softball clinic.

A silent auction was held with the proceeds going to the league. Among the items being auctioned were an APSU cap donated by Page’s Sporting Goods, a $50.00 gift certificate for the Dos Margaritas restaurant and a 4-month family membership to the Clarksville Athletic Club.

Clarksville National Softball League board member and co-founder Michael Blackwell hosted the opening ceremonies. Blackwell thanked and gave awards to sponsors responsible for the leagues new building that houses the concession stand and restrooms.

He also explained how the opening ceremonies and this season’s games were being broadcast to parents of league members serving in the military overseas.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan spoke at Clarksville National Softball League’s Opening Ceremony.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan attended the opening ceremony. McMillan spoke about the days her daughter played in the league.

“I can tell you the days and nights and the time we spent out here at this field was some of the most important parts of her growing up,” Mayor McMillan said. “Because she learned how to do a lot of things.”

Also in attendance was Rev. Chad Watson. Watson was the recent victim of a tragedy. He lost his wife and eight of his nine total children in a house fire in January. Several of the families at the event wore special T-shirts the league sold to raise funds for Watson and his daughter.

Blackwell announced they were dedicating the upcoming season to Watson and his lost family. He presented him with a $1000 check to be used for his surviving daughters future.

“Every time somebody has one of these shirts on, the memory of the ones it’s gone for will be thought of,” Blackwell said.

The opening ceremony closed with members of the Clarksville High ROTC program presenting the national colors, then the National Anthem followed by God Bless America.

The Clarksville National Softball League 2014 season commences Monday, April 7th. Visit www.cngsl.org for more information.