A men’s softball tournament will continue the legacy of former Selma Parks and Recreation Director Elton Reece through a sport he loved.

Proceeds from the Coach Elton Reece Softball Tournament, which will be held June 13 at the Dallas County Baseball/Softball Complex, will go to a scholarship fund for an area senior athlete in 2016. Reece, who worked with the Selma Parks and Recreation Department for over two decades, passed away in March.

Tournament organizer Jeremy Ross said the tournament will help make sure Reece’s legacy lives on.

“I’ve known coach Reece my whole life,” Ross said. “To keep his legacy alive, we are going to have a scholarship in his name so a kid that don’t know him will get to know who he is even though he’s gone.”

It’s only fitting that a softball tournament bears Reece’s name.

During his playing days, he took part in baseball’s NAIA World Series in 1970 at Livingston University and then participated in numerous championship tournaments at the upper-echelon of travel softball.

Ross said members of the Reece family will throw out the first pitch on the four fields at the complex that day.

Ross said he already has six or seven teams signed up to take part in the double-elimination tournament, but he said the tournament has no entry limit. Those interested need to form teams of nine or more and contact Ross at 349-4431 to pay the $100 team entry fee.

Ross said teams will not have to wear uniforms, but will be asked to wear similar colors.

All proceeds from the tournament will go towards the scholarship fund.

First place teams will be awarded a trophy and t-shirts. Second and third place teams will be awarded trophies.

Ross said he was starting an account at Marion Bank & Trust so that anyone that would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund could.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available too. For $100, sponsors will get their logo on the banners displayed during the tournament.