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Slo-pitch for Joe

A memorial ball tournament in honour of a popular local man who died from cancer will be held for the third year.

A memorial ball tournament in honour of a popular local man who died from cancer will be held for the third year.

Joe Varosi lost his life three years ago to cancer at the age of just 52, but his friends have kept his memory alive by playing his favourite sport, slo-pitch, every year.

The first year was just for fun, then last year the friends decided to raise money for cancer research, and raised $3,000. This year they are planning an even bigger event, starting with a game between two local bar teams, then followed by the “has-beens versus wannabes” game, between the Fernie Hotel team and a group of older players.

“Its probably a good thing the ball diamond is right next to the Fernie Hospital,” said organizer Dave Harrington, who was Joe’s best friend. “In case one of us old guys has a problem!”

The first game starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7 at the ball diamond at Prentice Park, Fernie.

The second game will wrap up around 5 p.m. and then there will be a free barbecue at the Fernie Hotel. Players are asking for donations from friends to support cancer research.

“We want to encourage people to come and watch,” said Harrington.

“It’s at the end of the summer, last chance to get out and enjoy a warmer evening, and there’s not much else going on at that time of year, so come on down, support our cause, cheer us on and have some fun!”

For more information call Dave at 250-430-1585.