Cayman will come out kicking for the Humane Society at the upcoming Kickball Tournament on 30 July at the Field of Dreams.

So what is kickball, I hear you ask? Think baseball, but instead of a bat, you just have your boots, and instead of a pitcher from the opposing team trying to strike you out with a small, hard ball, the pitcher is on your team, and rolls a big, soft ball in your direction. From there on in, we’re on familiar territory – get the ball to travel as far as possible and take off running for the base. Of course, if you find a fielder instead of open field, it’s back to the dugout for you, and three outs will have the team take up the fielding.

 If this sounds complicated, it really isn’t and no experience is required – in fact, a lack of experience is almost a bonus in this event, as at least it makes your team members feel rather less inadequate. The best part of the day is getting out with a whole bunch of people with no idea what they’re doing and just having fun. The event sees many corporate teams turn out, with the mixed team format making it very popular. A team constitutes a minimum of ten and a maximum of 15 players, with a team fielding a minimum of four female players at any time.

 Of course, there are those who are dead serious about winning the tournament, so if you happen to stumble into the elimination rounds from the initial round robin phase, be prepared for some heated battles. And unless you are a regular kickball player (who is?) be prepared for some sore muscles the next day – all that kicking and running seem s to have people limping around the office for the next day or so, telling and re-telling stories of their heroic exploits for the honour of the company.

 The event has become one of the major annual fundraisers for the Cayman Islands Humane Society, while at the same time establishing itself as a firm fixture on many corporate calendars, even though not many out there can say that they have ever held training sessions or try-outs prior to the event in order to capture that elusive win. After all, who would want to try and explain what on earth you are busy training for...

 Registration for the event is through csa.ky and is open until 20 July. The registration fee of $450 per team can be paid per cheque, made out directly to the Cayman Islands Humane Society.
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