Battle of the Badges is coming to Edgar again
Softball event has fund raised $98,000 in years past
A local softball fundraiser featuring teams of those within protective service organizations is coming to Edgar in mid-September.
The Marathon County Battle of the Badges, now in its ninth year, will take place September 16-17 at the Edgar Softball Complex on Lutz Street. Individuals who work in protective services, such as police offi cers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and correction officers, are welcome to form teams to play in the softball tournament.
The idea for the fundraiser bloomed in 2013, when Hannah Borski, a civil process specialist for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, wanted to get first responders and others in law enforcement together for a fun softball competition. After sparking the initial interest, the following year the event became a fundraiser run by a committee. In total so far, Battle of the Badges has raised $98,000 for various organizations.
According to Borski, proceeds from the first events went to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Now, each year the organization receiving the funds changes, alternating between police and fire related causes. This year’s funds will go to the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial in Wisconsin Rapids.
For those who aren’t participating as a player in the tournament, there’s still plenty of fun to be had as a spectator. There are various raffles going on throughout the weekend. Additionally, the proceeds from the concessions available during the tournament go to the Edgar athletic departments, according to Borski.
“It’s nice to give back to the community in that way also,” Borski said.
The opening ceremony on Saturday at 8 a.m. is usually a big hit, according to Borski, who called it a “highlight of the weekend.” It includes a presentation of the colors, national anthem and a fire and EMS display.
Individuals interested in participating in the event can form teams within their departments or join forces with other agencies. In order to guarantee a tournament t-shirt with registration and fee, teams need to be signed up by September 1. Borski said the committee will continue to take teams past that deadline, but it’s easier to set up the tournament bracket if everyone is signed up as soon as possible.
To register or learn more, check out the Marathon County Battle of the Badges Facebook page or email battleof-badgesmarathonco@ gmail. com.
