FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
July 13, 2010

PONY National Softball Tournament Comes to Cary
Over 3,000 players hope to knock one out of the ballpark over the course of more than 450 games

CARY, NC – Softball’s future stars will play for a national title in the PONY National Fastpitch Softball Tournament; play begins Saturday, July 17 and continues to July 22, when the champions are crowned after games held throughout Cary and in Holly Springs. Representing 13 states and 2 countries, 120 teams have qualified for the 12 & Under and 14 & Under age divisions. This year’s tournament is hosted in part by the Town of Cary and the Raleigh Jaycees, in partnership with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I encourage Cary citizens to show our Southern hospitality to tournament participants since most of the teams are from the northeast states and might be on their first trip to North Carolina,” said Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “With the combination of amenities and high-quality sports facilities, this is an ideal location for an event like the PONY National Tournament. We welcome all participants and their fans, and wish them the best of luck.”

Sporting events are always a welcome economic benefit to the region. Last year, an estimated 5,000 people came to the area for the tournament, infusing over $2 million in revenue locally through lodging, food purchases, shopping and other expenditures.

Games start at 8 a.m. at various fields in Bond Park, Thomas Brooks Park, Middle Creek Park and Green Hope High School in Cary, as well as Womble Park in Holly Springs. A formal Opening Ceremony will be held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Sunday, July 18 at 3 p.m., where the girls will have the opportunity to meet other teams and exchange gifts. Tickets are $15 for an individual day ticket or $50 for a full week pass and can be purchased at each facility gate. Children eight and under are free. Only cash will be accepted and all proceeds benefit the Raleigh Jaycees.

PONY, Protect our Nation’s Youth, is a non-profit corporation that is an administrative body for baseball and girl’s softball. This is PONY’s 34th year of involvement with girl’s softball. During this tournament, an estimated 450 games will be played in the six-day time period. For a complete schedule of events, facility maps, rain dates and more, visit pony.raleighjaycees.org. 

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
William Davis, Athletic Manager, (919) 460-4964
Andy Zeh, Tournament Host, (919) 713-0033
Tom Zabetakis, PONY National Tournament Director, (410) 787-1210
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 460-4951