An amazing, emotional weekend in Du Quoin for Indoor Softball Tournament

The numbers are not all in yet, but it is believed that the weekend Girls Indoor Softball Tournament to benefit Spacial Olympics of Southern Illinois raised between $65,000 and $70,00.
It was a weekend that made you cry as we were witness to the courage of Special Olympians who escorted the 28 teams into the Southern Illinois Center at noon on Saturday. It was a weekend that made you laugh as Clint Jackson of the Federation of Professional Bullriders brought two calves into the arena to see if four of the softball coaches could dress them in clothes.
Keenan Rice emceed the hour-long opening ceremony that included remarks by Rep. Terri Bryant of the 115th district and Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi,  several state Special Olympic dignitaries, the singing of “God Bless America” by special olympian Brenna Asbury and a very powerful singing performance by special olympian Mariah Schott.
There was also an appearance by Du Quoin’s own Amelia Eisenhauer who goes to Hollywood Feb. 2 in hopes of advancing in the American Idol competition. This is the last season for the popular television talent series. You can support Amelia by logging onto facebook.com/Amelia Eisenhauer; instagram.com/amelia_eisenhauer and twitter.com?AmeliaJE.
The stars were the families of 28 participating teams who included the Derby City Crush (Louisville), Missouri Heat 03 (Manchester, Mo.), Bluff City (Medora, Ill.), SI Dirt Dawgs of Benton, Ill.; Kentucky Crossfire of Paducah,Ky.; O-Town Extreme of Newton, Ill.; Southern Express of Anna, Ill.; Downstate Rippers 04 of Metropolis; Louisville Lady Sluggers of Smithfield, Ky.; Bob Squad of Newburgh, Ind.; Lids Indiana Dreams of Lebanon, Ill.; Aftershox of Sebree, Ky.; P0Town Fastpitch of Princeton, Ky.; Illinois Force of Salem Ill., Derby City Crush of Louis ville, Ky.; Dirt Dawgs of Belle Rive, Ill.; War Eagles of New Madrid, Mo.; O-Town Extreme of Newton, Ill.; Lady Crushers of Murray, Ky.; Kentucky Clovers of Louisville; Downstate Rippers O1 of Marion, Ill.; Black Widows 2018 of Jerseyville, Ill.; SI Revolution of Carterville, Ill.; SI Dirt Dawgs of Benton, Ill.; SI Dirt Dawgs of Marion, Ill.; Heartland Kids of Royalton, Ill.; Bluff City 99 of Brighton, Ill. and Kentucky Clovers of Louisville.
Two very special Special Olympic teams--the Southern Illinois Lightning Bugs and the Beverly Farms Blue Diamonds, were also in Du Quoin over the weekend.
The caring of tournament founder Bill Asbury and his family has caught the attention of Special Olympics organizations all over the country. In February he will become a member of the board of trustees of Special Olympics-Illinois.