Apenowich kickball tourney accepting teams, sponsors for June 3 event
From staff reports

PHOTO PROVIDED The annual Billy Apenowich Kick Cancer Kickball Tournament attracts scores of kickball competitors to the Bath soccer fields. The event raises funds for Strong Children's Research Center and the Ivan and Sam Foundation.

BATH - The fourth annual Billy Apenowich Memorial Kick Cancer Kickball Tournament, scheduled for June 3 at the Bath Soccer Fields, continues accepting teams and sponsors, organizers said last week.

"We'll accept them right up to the day of the tournament," Stan Apenowich, father of the late Billy Apenowich, said from his home.

Billy Apenowich died of cancer in 2003 at the age of 12 after a four-year struggle with the disease.

The annual tournament, organized after his death, raises funds for the Hematology/Oncology Division of Strong Children's Research Center in Rochester, as well at the Ivan and Sam Foundation.

The latter organization is dedicated to providing educational videos and other learning materials to children diagnosed with cancer.

According to Stan Apenowich, it's a worthy mission.

"The hardest thing we found is, how do you tell a 8- year-old kid he has cancer," Apenowich said. "How do you explain it? That's the hardest thing, and this foundation helps with that."

He added the annual tournament has averaged 30 to 35 kickball teams; to date about 17 teams have signed up to participate. Entrance fees are $200 per team - $25 per person for a team or eight, or $16 for a team of 12.

The tournament also offers five levels of corporate sponsorship, with Logo Sponsorships starting with a $200 contribution and Event Sponsors contributing $5,000.

For more information on how to form a team or become a sponsor, call Joyce or Stan Apenowich at 566- 3929.

'The hardest thing we found is,

how do you tell a

8-year-old kid he

has cancer.'

- Stan Apenowich, Father of the late Billy

Apenowich