‘We are a family’: Annual softball game in St. George brings together law enforcement, recovery community

Written by Nick Yamashita
November 10, 2022

ST. GEORGE — The annual recovery softball game between law enforcement personnel and those in recovery from addiction took place Nov. 3, when they gathered in fellowship for fun, support and healing.

Members of law enforcement and the recovery community participate in the annual recovery softball game, St. George, Utah, Nov. 4, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Participants played the “all in fun” game at Bloomington Park, with those in recovery and supporting community members comprising one team, and multiple agencies comprising the other, which included authorities from Washington City Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George Police Department, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department and adult probation and parole.

However, the boys in blue were a few short, so a few from the recovery team got to play with the law enforcement team.

The national anthem sung by Lt. Kory Klotz of the Washington City Police Department had the flag presented by the Family Affiliated Motorcycle Enthusiasts (FAME) Rider’s Club. A little after 7 p.m., the members of the club brought out the flag to the pitcher’s mound through a procession of motorcycles.

The rider’s club also is made up of those in recovery from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. And in addition to providing financial help to those in need of treatment for addiction, the organization offers support to one another and those affected by the ramifications and aftermath of addiction.

Interested members must be in recovery sober for at least one year and have an operable motorcycle to be part of FAME.

Hope Rising, the main sponsor, started the friendly athletic competition four years ago and was coordinated by Ty Empey, a former addict, who also started the local Sober Softball League, which helps community members in recovery build relationships of trust and support and find positive social interactions and entertainment.

“This game’s purpose is to come together with law enforcement and show everyone we are all on the same team,” Empey said. “The police play an important role in the recovery process.”

Members of law enforcement and the recovery community participate in the annual recovery softball game, St. George, Utah, Nov. 4, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Empey told St. George News the game helps repair relationships between law enforcement and those in recovery who may have had an interaction with law enforcement or been arrested in the past due to their addiction that left behind a negative feeling.

Community events, such as this softball game, help those in recovery get to know the officers better, so they can understand that officers want the best for those in recovery, Empey said.

Empey and Ben Cloward of the recovery softball league were present to help run things smoothly and officiate.

From a few impressive catches by both sides, a couple of in-the-park home runs, along with cheering and laughter, the game ended an hour and a half after it started with no winner and no loser. The only complaint heard was the cold temperature. Both sides ended the game with a full circle, hand in hand, citing a prayer of gratitude and pleading for continued support from God.

“This means a lot,” Klotz said. “This shows we are trying to help grow the community. … It brings us together to try and make this a better place.”

Two members of the recovery team also added their views on the game. Mikenda Busic said events like these are a reminder of the joy that can be found without the use of a substance.

“The purpose of this is to show recovering addicts that there is something more to life than just using drugs all the time,” Busic said.

And it’s also about building relationships, said Teisha Hannig, who was standing beside Busic.

“It’s the comradery. (It) helps a bunch of addicts to do great things,” Hannig said. “We are a family.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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