Published June 17. 2015 12:00AM
Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund will host its 11th annual softball tournament 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 20 at the Lehigh County Athletic Fields, Broadway and Parkway Boulevard. The rain date is June 21.
The tournament was established to honor Sheftel, keep his memory alive and pay tribute to his favorite sport.
Starting with just four teams its first year, the tournament has grown to encompass 22 teams with over 300 participants.
For the first time ever, the tournament will feature former Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel.
Attendees can meet Manuel and purchase an autographed baseball or a printed picture of themselves and the World Series winning manager 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Also new in 2015, St. Luke's University Health Network Sports Medicine is sponsoring a competition for players and spectators.
The player competition will consist of several drills to determine speed, strength and skill level.
Spectators over age 18 will also be able to test their abilities and be evaluated by the St. Luke's professionals.
The tournament gives back to the community in an effort to remember and honor Sheftel as a student, classmate, son, cousin, nephew and community member.
The Justin Sheftel Tournament was started in 2005 three weeks after Sheftel was killed by a drunk driver.
Since its inception, the memorial fund has awarded scholarships and monies to charities totaling over $275,000.
For more information about the tournament contact Linda Sheftel at 610-432-6353, linda.sheftel@ gmail.com, the tournament hotline at 610-351-5900, ext. 45873 or visit justinsheftel.com.