Every September, during the week after Labor Day, over one hundred teams of firefighters and paramedics come together from across North America to play softball and raise money to fight neuromuscular diseases. The International Association of Fire Fighters Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Softball Tournament is hosted by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1619, Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association.   All activities are open to the public, admission is free, food and beverages are available.

Teams will travel from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this memorable event.  Among the cities participating this year are teams from New York, New Orleans, Orlando, Pittsburgh, San Francisco as well as numerous teams from within our local metropolitan areas.

Opening ceremonies include introductions from the IAFF Local 1619 President, Doug “Bart” Bartholomew, officials from Prince George’s County, Maryland, MDA ambassadors and their families.

Over the years this tournament has become an institution for the firefighters and paramedics union and for MDA. Besides the fun, sport, and camaraderie that takes place each year as teams of fire fighters from across the U.S. and Canada gather in Watkins Park for competitive softball, this tournament continues to provide substantial support for MDA and Jerry's Kids.

During the last thirty-four years the MDA Softball Tournament and related functions have allowed the Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics to donate over $1.8 million dollars to Jerry’s Kids.

WHAT:  35TH Annual International MDA Softball Tournament

WHEN:   First game starts on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 7:00 PM and will run through the weekend with the championship game held on Sunday evening, September 7, 2008.
** Opening Ceremonies Friday, September 5, 2007, 6:00 PM **

WHERE:  Watkins Regional Park – 301 Watkins Park Drive, Kettering, MD

WHO:   The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and Firefighters/Paramedics Local 1619, Firefighters and Paramedics from across the US and Canada, MDA ambassadors and their families, elected officials, thousands of friends, families, players and spectators.

Attention – Morning Futures - Softball games will start Friday at 9:00 AM.  Saturday at 7:00 AM.  There will be a tremendous amount of activity before and during the early morning.  Plenty of “lively and interesting” interviews.  Live broadcasts will be supported and welcome.

For additional background and history of the IAFF MDA Softball Tournament:

http://www.iafflocal1619.org/content/softball/

For this years schedule and a roster of teams scheduled to play, click here:

http://www.mddcasa.org/docs/MDA-SCHEDULE-2008.doc