WILMINGTON, MA — The 8th Annual Tim Ryan Wiffle Ball Extravaganza will take place this Saturday, September 14, 2019, beginning at 10am at the Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks Lodge (777 South Street, Tewksbury).
This popular 3-on-3 wiffle ball tournament is organized annually by the friends of late Lance Corporal Timothy F. Ryan III.
Ryan, a lifelong Wilmington resident, graduated from Wilmington High School in 2005 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps soon thereafter. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ryan was honorably discharged in December 2010. He passed away in May 2011 at the age of 23 after a battle with PTSD.
Last year, a memorial bench for Ryan was installed in the Veterans Lot of the Wildwood Cemetery. The bench is located next to the flag pole, allowing visitors the ability to sit and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“It’s a beautiful memorial to Tim and all veterans we’ve lost to PTSD,” said Veterans Director Lou Cimaglia at the time. “I knew Tim. I coached him in Pop Warner. He was a fine young man and a stand-up Marine.”
In addition to honoring Tim and keeping his memory alive, the wiffleball tournament also serves as a fundraiser, with all proceeds donated to the Local Heroes organization to support local veterans in needs.
Registration is open to the general public and begins at 10am. Entry fee (with t-shirt) costs $25 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. The winning team will receive $300. The second place will receive $150.
The event will also feature a cash bar, games and activities for all ages, and lots of great raffles and silent auction items, including Red Sox tickets, Bruins tickets, sports memorabilia, golf outing, gift baskets, and more.
Contact organizer George Dighton at 617-595-0869 with any questions.
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