NEWS RELEASE
July 18, 2008
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Carter Pettibone
(919) 713-0033
pony@raleighjaycees.org


Meagan O'Dowd
(919) 818-1698
odowdm@yahoo.com

Local Teams, Local Host, National Tournament

Raleigh Jaycees Host 2008 PONY Fast Pitch Softball National Championships

CARY, NC - The Raleigh Jaycees will host the Protecting our Nation's Youth (PONY)  national fast pitch softball tournament for girls ages 14 and under July 25-30. PONY Baseball and Softball is designed to "Protect Our Nation's Youth" by providing experiences in youth baseball and softball that will help young people grow into healthier and happier adults.

The Raleigh Jaycees first hosted the tournament in 2007, and are excited to host PONY again this year.  Four local teams, the Apex Sting from Apex, Cape Fear Storm White,  from Lillington, Carolina Bombs, from Angier,  and NC Dominators from Durham, will be playing in the tournament featuring 108 teams from 13 states and Quebec.

"The Raleigh Jaycees are excited about the tournament and the ability to showcase the area for the thousands of players, coaches, and fans who will be attending," said Carter Pettibone, Raleigh Jaycees 2008 PONY tournament chair.  "Our volunteers, as well as the Town of Cary and Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, have been hard at work trying to make this one of the area's signature sporting events."

Melissa Taylor, vice president of fundraising for the Raleigh Jaycees adds, "We are thrilled to host the PONY Nationals in the Triangle again this year. Not only does our participation help the Raleigh Jaycees raise money for numerous community projects, but we also help boost the local economy and build relationships with area businesses."

Tournament play begins on July 25 and continues through July 31. Games will be held at various fields throughout Cary. Daily passes may be purchased throughout the tournament at field locations for $10. For more information about the PONY 2008 14U National Fast Pitch Championships visit http://pony.raleighjaycees.org or call (919) 713-0033.