A kickball tournament was held Saturday in Ludowici to help raise money to send seven Long County youth on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.  
The double-elimination tournament had six teams and a large crowd on hand to help support the cause. Participating teams were HIS Peeps, the Twinkle Toes, the Scuba Rats, the Pop Tarts, the Wildcats and the Long County Sheriff’s Department’s Crime Kickers. The Crime Kickers took home the championship by defeating the Wildcats.
“Man, what a day,” tournament organizer Paul Austin said. “With all of the other stuff going on, the Lord really blessed us today with this great turnout.”  
Austin said that the tournament raised approximately $500, which will offset the cost of each youth who attends the trip.  He also said the youth will have more fundraisers in the future.
According to Austin, the group will be going to the Dominican Republic on June 15-29 and will include four adult chaperones.
The group will help other teens in the Dominican Republic learn about Jesus Christ by playing softball, baseball and cheerleading with them.  
Austin said that the mission trip is being coordinated through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Students who will attend the mission trip are Harley Dawson, Kaylyn McEwin, Samantha Garcia, Courtney McNeal, Sydnie Garcia, Cameryn Wingate and Logan Hyde.  Adults going are Austin, Christy Wingate, Kristie Garcia and Matt Garcia.  
For more information on how to help financially with the trip, contact any of the students or chaperones who are attending.