County kicks off 49th annual Hawai‘i Kūpuna Softball Tournament

The 49th annual Hawai‘i Kūpuna Softball Tournament kicked off Wednesday with an opening ceremony that included a heartfeld blessing and a ceremonial first pitch, which was thrown by Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth.

Hosted by the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division, this year’s 2-day tournament at the Walter C. Victor Baseball Complex in Hilo hosts 21 teams and more than 400 players from around the Big Island.

“We are honored to host this incredible event that celebrates our kūpuna and their passion for the game and community,” said Roth. “Our continued investment in the upkeep and maintenance of our park facilities is directly related to the health and well-being of our community, and we are grateful to see so many out here competing and having fun.”

The games played during this tournament will count toward the seeding for the Hawai‘i State Senior Citizens Softball Tournament, which will be hosted Aug. 6-8 by Elderly Activities Division at Kailua Park in Kona.

Hawai‘i County hosts the statewide tournament every four years, and 62 teams will participate.

For more information about the Hawai‘i Kūpuna Softball Tournament and upcoming events, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division at 808-961-8708 or via email at elderly@hawaiicounty.gov.