Dodgeball tournament for local youth: Optimist Club initiative

When that ball comes whipping by competitors at the annual Optimist Club dodgeball tournament, they’re not likely thinking of the thousands of dollars they’re helping raise for area kids.

“Nah,” says tournament organizer, Don MacIver, with a laugh. “They’re probably just thinking, ‘I can’t get hit. I can’t get hit. I can’t get hit…because I need this win!”

MacIver revived the tournament last year after a long absence and admits he didn’t know how it would be received.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if dodgeball was still, you know, a thing. Especially with adults. So I definitely breathed a sigh of relief when I walked into the gym at the Boys and Girls club that day, and saw all those people geared up to play. Even the spectators were totally pumped!”

This year’s tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 and, again, takes place at the Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes – one of the fundraiser’s benefactors along with MacIver’s Lindsay Optimist Club.

Last year’s tournament raised $2,500. MacIver says if they can match that amount this year, he’ll consider it a success.

“But hey, we’ll certainly welcome a bigger haul. There are a lot of kids out there whose lives will be improved by it.”

Teams must be a minimum of six people, with a maximum of 10. At least two females must be on the court at all times. Team registration, at $500, includes a courtside lunch for all members and an after-tournie awards ceremony.

To register and for more information, email .