Justin Sheftel Memorial tourney back for its 19th year

The annual Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund Softball Tournament is returning for its 19th year on June 17 at the Lehigh County Athletic Fields at Cedar Crest Parkway West outside Allentown.

Sixteen teams will compete in four divisions followed by playoffs and a championship matchup. Meanwhile, there will be games, all-star baseball and softball clinics, and other activities throughout the day. It all begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

“On June 17, we will mark the 19th anniversary of the tournament,” said Linda Sheftel, Justin’s mother and president of the fund’s board of directors. “We find this hard to believe. We feel so blessed that 18 years after a drunk driver struck Justin, we have the support of our community, and we are able to honor and remember him.”

The three all-star clinics, cosponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network — baseball for middle and high schoolers, baseball for fourth and fifth graders, softball for fifth- through eighth-grade girls — are free to participants in youth, school or Little League organizations. Registration by June 15 is required. There will be prizes, including two bikes donated by Bike Works.

Other attractions include the food vendors NV Donut, Take a Taco and Vince’s Cheesesteaks; a silent auction of sports memorabilia, game tickets, toys and more; tie-dying (free for kids under 6; $10 for kids 7 and over); face painting, lawn games, a buzzed-driving demo where participants can wear simulation goggles; a 50/50 raffle; and a Mocktail Mixoff sponsored by Red Robin.

The tournament was founded in 2006, after a group of Justin’s friends approached his family two months after his death in 2005 with the idea of starting one in his honor. “How they were able to organize this event continues to amaze us,” Linda said. “The tournament has grown into a significant community event which everyone looks forward to throughout the year.” The mission of the fund is “to celebrate Justin by providing athletic and educational opportunities for underserved youth in the greater Lehigh Valley.” For more information and to register for the clinics, visit the fund’s website at justinsheftel.com.