In September, during the week after Labor Day, over one hundred teams of firefighters and paramedics come together from across North America to play softball and raise money to fight neuromuscular diseases. The International Association of Fire Fighters MDA Softball Tournament is hosted by IAFF Local 1619, Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association. It is the largest gathering of firefighters and paramedics outside of the International’s Biennial Convention.

The event had humble beginnings with only ten teams participating in the first tournament in 1973 at White Marsh Park. Retired Major Danny Jarboe, Firefighter Paul Trader, and Jack Mowatt, of DC ASA, organized the early years of the tournament. They started the tournament as a memorial to Brother Gary Provencal, of the old “P Street” team. It would now take several pages to name all of the individuals have shaped the tournament into the nationally respected event that it is today.

For the past nineteen years the tournament has been held at Watkins Regional Park in Kettering. Maryland Park and Planning graciously took the event in after the second home, Rip’s Fields, was closed down. The tournament lost some of its “Wild West” feel after moving to such a nice location, but it has never stopped being an outrageously good time of softball, food, good friends, and just a “few” beers. Teams have traveled from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this memorable event.

Opening ceremonies include introductions from the IAFF General President, IAFF Local 1619 President, the Prince George’s County Executive, and various guest speakers. Following the opening remarks, guests are invited to view a fireworks presentation immediately followed by a night of dancing at the pavilion.

Over the years this tournament has become an institution for our union and for MDA. Besides the fun, sport, and camaraderie that takes place each year as teams of fire fighters from across the U.S. and Canada gather in Watkins Park for competitive softball, this tournament continues to provide substantial support for MDA and Jerry's Kids.

During the last thirty one years the MDA Softball Tournament and related functions have allowed the Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters to donate over $1.6 million dollars to Jerry’s Kids. As far as can be documented, we are the first local to be able to make that claim.

A substantial share of MDA research funding is provided by the International Association of Fire Fighters. Since 1954, the IAFF has raised over $220 million for muscular dystrophy research and is the largest national sponsor of the MDA.

The Tournament would not be the outstanding success that it is today without the help of a myriad of individuals who have devoted countless hours of their time to ensure that the logistics of the event run smoothly. We would like to extend a special thank you to Tournament Directors Kevin Reilly, Jack Mowatt, Paul Trader, Linda Hash, and Theresa Lloyd and to all of the personnel who have donated their time and effort, including but not limited to, the “Banger Banger Crew,” the kitchen staff, the beverage committee, the food committee, the souvenir committee, scorekeepers, umpires, and all of the countless friends who have helped out over the years.

For more information please click on the link below:
http://www.mddcasa.org/page10.html

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For directions to Watkins Regional Park please click on Goole Maps icon below: