Organized by local residents Hailey Murray, Kegan Keon and Bria Hearty, the ninth annual Do It For Daron (DIFD) 3-pitch tournament invited the community to play ball with the purpose of defeating the stigma around mental health.

With alcohol vendors, a chip stand and DIFD merchandise kiosks set up on the premises, participants either watched from the stands or hit the diamond for some good old slow-pitch action.

Organizers also accepted material donations for its silent auction table, which plays a big part in the group’s fundraising efforts, according to Murray.

The event has become highly anticipated among locals, Murray said.

With 17 teams participating in two separate divisions (A and B) and hundreds of people coming in to watch it or participate, a lot of familiar faces attend year after year to support DIFD.

For Murray, the event is a positive one for the community as it brings residents and outsiders together to support an important cause that doesn’t always get the recognition it requires.

While the goal of the event is to raise money for mental health awareness, she believes it’s just as important to remind people what it’s all about.

“There’s a lot of youth that have been affected by mental health,” she said. “They say one in five Canadians will be affected by mental health.

It’s growing in awareness, which is very important. What it’s about is really raising awareness to the stigma around mental health.”

When it was all over, the A division champs were Team Overrated, while the B winners were captained by Nick Brown, according to Murray.

The winners were each awarded a DIFD merchandise bundle that included a plastic tumbler.

“It brings people into the community,” she said. “It’s just nice to have an event where the community can kind of get together.”

While all proceeds normally go towards the DIFD foundation, this year, a portion will go towards the Jardin Educatif du Pontiac, Murray said.

Team Overrated player Slush Durocher takes a big cut during the first inning of his team’s game against the Mother Truckers.

Last weekend, hundreds of people gathered at Elwood Dale Park in Shawville to play ball in support of a mental health initiative. Pictured left, Mother Truckers shortstop Trevor Saunderson tracks a ground ball.

Players from A division winners Team Overrated pose for a photo. From left: Marc Fortin, Marc Lavigne and Troy Romain.

Team Overrated player Alexie Durocher leaves dust in her wake as she sprints around third base.

Richardson Lake Rowdies third baseman Marc Zion fires a throw to first base against Purple Patrol.

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