National softball tournament to be held in Salt Lake City May 26-28

Salt Lake City was selected by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance to host its annual LGBTQ+ softball tournament. The games will take place from May 26–28, at the Valley Regional Complex in Taylorsville and the Larry H Miller Softball Complex in Millcreek. Teams from NAGAAA organizations across the United States and Canada will compete in the elite A and B divisions to determine the NAGAAA Cup Champions.

In addition to the tournament, teams will also have the opportunity to qualify for the Gay Softball World Series. The public is invited to attend and show support for the participating teams. A big party will be held to bring the community together in support and unity.

Salt Lake City was chosen as the host city due to its natural beauty and the warm welcome extended by the entire culture. NAGAAA Commissioner John Deffee expressed his surprise at the friendliness and acceptance shown by Salt Lake City’s residents.

With more than 80 percent of NAGAAA’s teams located on the West Coast, attendance is expected to be robust, with an estimated 1,100 attendees. The tournament is anticipated to have an estimated economic impact of more than $1 million on the community.

Clay Partain, managing director of Sports Salt Lake, highlighted the city’s inclusive culture, which embraces differences and encourages new perspectives. Tanya Hawkins, Co-CEO at the Utah Pride Center, emphasized the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in athletics to create a safe and welcoming place at sporting events.