Back when I was in Sacred Heart Elementary School on the south side of Chicago, I lived for kickball games at lunch. I was usually the pitcher (roller?) for the boys’ team, although I also played 2nd base. It almost made school tolerable. This Saturday, I hope to create some new kickball memories at the Kicks For A Cure event.
Held every summer in Grant Park, Kicks for a Cure is the world’s largest charity kickball tournament. Over 1,000 people will watch as teams compete and raise money for cancer research. All proceeds go to Receptions for Research - The Greg Olsen Foundation.
In 2009, Olsen, the former Bears and current Carolina Panthers tight end, started Receptions for Research to honor his mother who survived her battle with breast cancer. Receptions for Research has raised over $325,000.
Saturday, June 29, starting at 8 a.m., 60 teams will begin the tournament. Participants must raise $1,200, with the top three fundraising teams having the opportunity to play against Olsen’s team. There will be food and beverages available for participants and spectators.
Unfortunately, I will not be playing, but several of my friends will be, including some members of the Resistance Pro Wrestling roster. Once again, R Pro is involved in a fun and charitable event. R Pro co-owner Gabriel Baron told me, “We're thrilled to be a part of such a great charity event that brings out the best of not only the city of Chicago, but the best in its' people as well.”
R Pro wrestler Barry Ryte, a cancer survivor, is very happy to be playing and helping the cause. Barry told me, “Being once sick with cancer, I realized how much more people are affected by certain illness and disease. This past night I ran a mile for the cure and now I am happy to be a part of this.”
I am sure there will be many touching stories like Barry’s. I plan on finding some as I collect the sights and sounds of Kicks For a Cure. Eric St. Vaughn, another wrestler with R Pro, believes in the cause so much that he offered to help me expand my coverage. This speaks volumes for the quality of people with R Pro and the positive effect Receptions for Research has on anyone familiar with it.
While I am disappointed I will not be actually playing, I am excited about being there. It promises to be a fun and important event. Still, I must put one last thought out there. If anyone needs a pinch-kicker Saturday, I will be more than ready!
