Special Olympics Du Quoin tournament raises over $61,000

Proceeds from the weekend's Southern Illinois Special Olympics girls softball tournament hit $61,000 as of Monday with donations from four sponsorships still out there.

All told, this year's tournament income will have taken the five-year total to over a quarter of a million dollars, according to tournament founder Bill Asbury.

Applause filled the Southern Illinois Center on Saturday as Asbury told those attending he felt the total would hit $250,000.

Presenting sponsors are Knight Hawk Coal L.L.C, Ward Chrysler, Ward KIA, and Mathis & Sons, Inc. Supporting sponsors are Southern Illinois University, Banterra Bank, Alongi's, Country Financial, Lee's Sports, Plum Grove Printing, Silkworm Ink, Fenton's Custom and Collision, and Indoor Softball Inc. Media Sponsors are The Southern Illinoisan, Du Quoin Evening Call, Perry County Advantage, WDQN Radio and WSIL TV 3. All proceeds from this year's tournament will benefit Special Olympics Illinois Southern/Area 15 allowing the program to reach and serve more athletes and continue to offer top notch programs and competitions free of charge for the over 850 Athletes competing right here in Southern Illinois.