Softball game shows sports isn’t just games

Published 8:51 am Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The world of sports is multifaceted and encompasses more than the final score of a game. While most people use it as an escape from their everyday lives, it really is a reflection of the world, just with inflated balls, statistics and uniforms attached.

I got into the world of sports journalism because I wanted to cover eventually the bigger issues associated in the sports world such as race, treatment of women and everyday feel good stories in a male dominated society, which might get overlooked.

Last Thursday, Warren Central put on a Halloween themed softball event for a good cause. It was to recognize and raise money for a former student, Gabrielle Butler, who is battling a rare form of cancer.

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Often, the true emotion and pride in a high school athlete’s reason to be on the field can get lost behind those who live vicariously through their success.

The interview conducted with Butler and Lady Vikes softball coach Dana McGivney was refreshing because the conversation was more than how the shortstop was able to make a play or how the team would fix the errors heading into the next game. It was about life, honoring those who need to be recognized and how those who are blessed enough to live a healthy life give back to someone who needs help.

Butler is a warm-hearted individual with a loving and supportive family and friends who rallied behind her. Her parents let those participating in the softball game know how much they appreciated giving their time to their daughter. Although I wasn’t able to meet Afton Wallace, who this event was initially held for, I’m sure her family can sympathize with the Butlers.

Events like this are what makes Vicksburg special. The community can come together and support one another through difficult times, regardless of allegiances. Vicksburg can recognize the bigger meaning behind sports and understand when competition is needed and when it can take a backseat to real life issues.

While the truly hard headed don’t want their entertainment to intervene with real problems like cancer and death, they have to recognize that sports is the perfect platform to raise awareness for these issues and the two can’t be separated.

Alex Swatson is a reporter. He can be reached via email at alex.swatson@vicksburgpost.com