Konqer Kickballz Tournament Launches this Weekend in Guam
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Kickball’s Come‑Back in Guam: Konqer Kickballz Tournament Kicks Off this Weekend
The latest issue of the Guam Post turns its focus to a light‑hearted but fiercely competitive event that is already generating buzz throughout the island: the Konqer Kickballz Tournament, set to launch on Saturday and Sunday at the Guam Youth Sports Complex (GYSC). The tournament, organized by the locally‑rooted Konqer Kickballz club, promises more than just a weekend of sport – it’s a community‑building initiative, a fundraiser for local youth programs, and a celebration of the simple joy that kickball brings to people of all ages.
Why Kickball Is Making a Comeback
Kickball, once the quintessential backyard pastime, has seen a resurgence in Guam thanks to a new generation of community groups that are re‑introducing the sport to schools, churches, and senior centers. Konqer Kickballz, which first formed in 2018 as a group of retirees looking to stay active, has grown into a statewide organization that now fields dozens of teams across the island. The Guam Post notes that the group’s mission is “to foster camaraderie, promote fitness, and give back to the community through sport.” A link in the article leads to the Konqer Kickballz website, where the club’s history, philosophy, and upcoming events are detailed. Their site also hosts a volunteer‑sign‑up page, encouraging readers to join the tournament’s operations crew.
The Tournament Format
The tournament follows a straightforward, double‑elimination bracket that will see 32 teams compete over two days. The schedule (linkable from the Guam Post piece) lists Saturday’s games beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a 10‑team opening round, while Sunday’s action is set for a 12‑team field that will include both Saturday‑winners and “wild‑card” teams from the community. Matches are best‑of‑three innings, and each team is allotted a maximum of four players on the field at a time, with a coach and a designated “umpire” assigned to keep the game running smoothly.
The article explains that the bracket is “open to all—high‑school teams, college squads, church groups, and even corporate teams from Guam’s business community.” A notable highlight is the inclusion of a “Veterans’ Division,” featuring retired military personnel who are stationed at the nearby Rota Air Base. This division, the Guam Post reports, is “a nod to the island’s strong military ties and a way to honor those who have served.”
Community and Charity Partnerships
A central theme of the Guam Post article is the tournament’s charitable component. Proceeds from ticket sales, team entry fees, and an online auction—hosted on the Konqer Kickballz site—will go to the Guam Youth Sports Initiative (GYSI), an organization dedicated to providing free sports and mentoring programs for children in underserved neighborhoods. The article quotes GYSI’s executive director, Maria Salazar, saying, “Kickball brings us people together, and every dollar we raise here will fund a new youth baseball program in Saipan.”
The tournament is also sponsored by local businesses, including the Guam Coffee Collective and Yummy’s Deli, both of which are featured in sidebars with their logos and short bios. In a separate link, readers can find a “Thank You” page that lists all sponsors, providing an overview of the partnership model and the financial breakdown of the event.
Participants and Highlights
The article introduces a handful of teams that readers should keep an eye on. The Saipan High School squad, coached by former football star David Lee, is slated to go head‑to‑head against the Rota Air Base veterans in the opening round. Meanwhile, the Converse Club—a group of retired teachers—has an eye on the trophy, having won the “Spirit Award” at last year’s tournament. The Guam Post includes short quotes from several team captains, all expressing excitement about the event: “It’s a chance for us to compete, to laugh, and to see our kids and grandkids on the same field,” says Lily Morales, captain of the Converse Club.
How to Join
If readers are interested in participating, the Guam Post provides a clear call‑to‑action: teams must register by 5:00 p.m. Friday, with a $75 entry fee that covers equipment rental, field usage, and a welcome kit that includes a custom Konqer Kickballz T‑shirt. The article links directly to the registration portal on the Konqer Kickballz website, where teams can select their roster, pay the fee, and download a game‑day schedule.
For those who cannot join a team but want to volunteer, the article lists several roles—scorekeepers, ushers, snack vendors, and safety marshals—available through a volunteer sign‑up form. These volunteer spots are limited, the article warns, and the form must be submitted by the same Friday deadline.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the brackets and the trophies, the Guam Post frames the Konqer Kickballz Tournament as a microcosm of Guam’s broader community engagement. It illustrates how sport can be a bridge between generations, a platform for philanthropy, and a vehicle for local business collaboration. In the closing paragraphs, the editor reflects on how this weekend’s games will “reinforce a sense of belonging that is essential to the health of any small island community.”
For readers who want more context, the article links to a previous feature about last year’s tournament, which highlighted the tournament’s growth from 12 teams to 32, and the record $3,000 raised for the Guam Youth Sports Initiative. The Guam Post also provides a link to a photo gallery of last year’s finals, giving a visual sense of the event’s energy and spirit.
Bottom Line
The Konqer Kickballz Tournament is poised to be a highlight of Guam’s summer calendar. With a robust schedule, inclusive participation, strong charitable ties, and community sponsorship, it represents more than a weekend of games—it’s a celebration of community, fitness, and philanthropy. Whether you’re a player, a volunteer, or a spectator, the Guam Post invites you to be part of an event that promises laughter, competition, and a whole lot of community spirit.
Read the Full Pacific Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.guampdn.com/sports/konqer-kickballz-tournament-kicks-off-on-saturday-sunday/article_8d4d34bb-a7eb-47f0-928e-d14ec6d11172.html ]