Joey Payeur
Elvis DeBungee was the kind of person who wouldn’t hesitate to think of others first.
Now those who benefitted from DeBungee’s contributions here in Rainy River District are making sure to do the same for him.
The first-annual Elvis DeBungee Memorial mixed slo-pitch tournament will be held Sept. 21-22 at the Thunderbird Memorial Park on Rainy River First Nations and the two ball diamonds in Barwick.
If there ends up being more than the eight teams which already have registered, the tournament will begin Sept. 20.
“Elvis always organized the first-of-the-year and the last-of-the-year softball tournaments here for as long as I can remember,” said Brian Cochrane, director of sports and recreation for Rainy River First Nations.
“After Elvis passed away [on May 3 at the age of 56], everything he [took care of] hit a standstill.
“What’s happening now is everyone is slowly picking up the pieces,” Cochrane noted.
“I thought it would be a great tribute to keep the year-end tournament going,” he added. “I talked to his family and they thought it was a great idea.”
DeBungee was an addictions counsellor for Rainy River First Nations at the time of his passing.
The accomplished musician and pow-wow singer/dancer had a special affinity for helping aboriginal youth by not only getting them involved with sports, but emphasizing the importance of their heritage through school visits and other endeavours.
“Elvis helped many, never turning one down, but always responding and believing that people can get over their problems and live a good life,” his obituary read.
“Elvis impacted many different people from many different places in many different ways,” lauded Cochrane.
“Many of the teams that are coming are doing so mainly just to show support to his family.”
Registration is $300 per team, which includes a guaranteed three games in the double-elimination format tournament.
Every team, which needs a mix of six men and four women, receives a new softball for being part of the tourney, with prize money available for the top three teams overall.
Cochrane said the invitation is open to any and all teams that want to take part.
“Elvis usually had eight teams and we already have eight teams,” he noted.
“I’m shooting for at least a 16-team field and if I get more, I’m not going to cap it,” Cochrane stressed.
“The more, the merrier.”
Cochrane is in the process of talking to various food vendors to work at the tournament, as well as lining up different children’s activities, such as bouncy castles and other entertainment, to be on-site.
“We want to make an event of it,” explained Cochrane, who also is seeking donations from local businesses and organizations in the hopes of setting up a penny table at the tournament.
“We want it to be more than just a tournament,” he remarked.
“We want families to come down and watch ball, but have other things to do at the same time.”
Anyone needing more information, or wanting to register a team, can call Cochrane at 482-2479 ext. 239), fax him at 482-1502, or e-mail him at dorrrfns@bellnet.ca.
The registration deadline is Sept. 18.
