By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — It’s the game played in many physical education classes across the U.S., but kickball is making a return in popularity this time with adult players.

The Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department is co-sponsoring its first annual community adult co-ed kickball tournament. The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and Aug. 21 at the Sports Complex, 1113 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. The Saturday opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. The final game will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $110 per team, up to 20 players.

Organizers are also accepting vendors for a $50 donation.

The tournament is an opportunity to raise money for the Police Athletic League Salisbury 49ers AAU Football team, who is also sponsoring the event.

“We are doing this not only as a benefit for the kids on the football team, but also an event to bring the community together for something fun and positive,” said team mom and board member Devora Neely.

Neely said the tournament is open to anyone who would like to form a team — churches, businesses, fire departments and police departments.

“In light of all the negativity that’s been going on in this community as well as nationwide, we see this as an opportunity to promote unity as well as give our kids an opportunity to see law enforcement and other officials in a different light,” Neely said.

This is a double elimination tournament and teens 15 to 17 years old must get parental consent. The deadline to register is Friday, but teams will be accepted if open slots remain.

Neely said as of Tuesday, there are still slots available.

In addition to the fundraiser, Neely said the organization would also like to see more community support for the youth.

The majority of the children who participate are considered at-risk and, for many of them, money is an issue. The team travels for games, so sponsorship as well as support are needed, as well as youth participants.

The Salisbury Police Department does buy some items, but there is still great need.

For more information and how to support the league, visit the Salisbury 49ers AAU football league at salisbury49ers.teamapp.com and to register for the kickball tournament contact Devora Neely at 704-785-0978 or devoragardin@yahoo.com.