Botetourt Sports Complex Hosting Wounded Warriors Tournament

The Botetourt County Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is pleased to announce that the Botetourt Sports Complex will be hosting the Wounded Warriors  Amputee  Softball  Team  (WWAST)  on  October  3,  2015  in  Troutville.  The WWAST will be playing a double header in the 7th  Annual Military Appreciation and College Softball Invitational.

The WWAST, a charitable organization, was formed to educate and inspire the public about military service and veterans issues. The team has veterans and active-duty servicemen who have each lost some part of his arm or leg while serving his country. The team travels the country, playing able-bodied teams in competitive softball games.

The WWAST game in our community will be the focal point of an already established event at the Botetourt Sports Complex. “It is very satisfying to know that Botetourt County  is  a  strong  supporter  of  the  military  and  honors  active-duty  soldiers  and veterans,” said David Van Sleet, WWAST General Manager and US Army Veteran. “Working on this venue, we have seen first-hand the strong pride that this area of Virginia displays for military personnel and Wounded Warriors, and it is very gratifying to see the recognition for those that have served our country.”

The WWAST and Veterans Appreciation Ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a full activities schedule starting at 11:00 a.m. and continuing through 6:30 p.m. The first double header game will be held at 2:30 p.m. against All Military Tidewater, with the second game being held at 5:00 p.m. against the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office. College softball games will also be held at 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., featuring Liberty University,  James  Madison  University,  Radford  University,  Richard  Bland  College, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.

This year’s tournament is being sponsored by Altec, Dynax, WSLS10, the Wounded Warrior  Amputee  Softball  Team,  the  Botetourt  Sports  Complex,  Bank  of  Fincastle, Virginia Moose Association, Bank of Botetourt, Roanoke Cement, Sheraton Roanoke, Military  Officers  Association  of  America  (MOAA),  and  Unites  Services  Automobile Association (USAA).

"Botetourt County is honored to host the Wounded Warrior Amputee softball team at this year's Military Appreciation Softball tournament,” said Todd Dodson, Amsterdam District, Botetourt Board of Supervisors. “As one of the special counties in America that has sent our sons and daughters to war since the Revolutionary War, the veterans of the WWAST add a special dynamic to this year’s tournament. Botetourt County and the Roanoke Valley will use these special veteran athletes to honor all of our veterans."

The Botetourt Sports Complex is expecting a large turnout on Saturday for the WWAST Tournament and hopes that the event will help show appreciation for our military and raise funds for the organization. There is plenty of space on the bleachers, but guests can also bring their own chairs. A donation of $5 is suggested, and all proceeds will benefit the WWAST and the Military Family Support Center in Salem, VA.

For    more    information,    please    visit    www.botetourtva.gov/sportscomplex,    email jfarmer@botetourtva.gov, or call (540) 992-0011.