47th Annual Sickle Cell Softball Tournament Raises Awareness and Funds at Cargill Park

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer
Published July 13, 2025

The 47th Annual Sickle Cell Tournament drew crowds and community support this past weekend at Cargill Park, combining summer sports with a deeper mission: raising funds for families affected by sickle cell disease. Commissioner Roy Burrell, Chairman of the Board for the Sickle Cell Disease Association, reported that 85 teams participated in this year’s tournament.

Held on Saturday and Sunday, July 11–12, the event featured teams from across the region, with fans turning out to enjoy the competition and support the Sickle Cell Disease Association.

“It’s not just a tournament, it’s a lifeline,” said Rosalind Spain, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association. “We call the people we serve ‘warriors’ because they are fighting for their lives every day.” This weekend was hot. Most of our warriors can’t be out in that heat. It can trigger a crisis at any moment,” Spain explained. “Meanwhile, their families are trying to balance everything, hospital visits, lost work hours, mounting bills. Our job is to step in where we can.”

The event also celebrated the dedication of its volunteers, including 18-year-old John Davis, who has been helping since childhood. “John grew up around this cause. He’s part of the reason it continues to thrive,” said Spain.

As the final games wrapped and trophies were handed out, the mission remained front and center: raising awareness, building community, and standing by those who battle an invisible but relentless disease.

“We’re here to uplift them,” Spain said. “And every dollar raised helps us do that.”