Events

5th annual Kohltan Ward Wiffle Ball Tournament returns May 17 to Destin

The charity event honors the memory of 11-year-old Kholtan Ward while funding scholarships for local baseball and softball players.

Ashley Ward

The 5th annual Kohltan Ward Wiffle Ball Tournament returns Saturday, May 17, at Destin Little League fields, welcoming participants of all ages while raising funds for scholarships.

The event honors the memory of 11-year-old Kohltan, who died in October 2020 from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Kelly Street in Destin.

The event begins at 5 p.m. and is open to the entire community, not just youth currently playing in organized leagues.

“This event is always a great time to cap off a great season at Destin Little League, please share and tell your friends as it is not limited to DLL kids and open to the entire community,” said Matt Dahlman, tournament organizer.

A cherished memory: Asher Ward embraces her son Easton Ward, Kohltan’s younger brother, during a previous Kohltan Ward Wiffle Ball Tournament. The annual event, now in its fifth year, continues to honor Kohltan’s memory while funding scholarships for local baseball and softball players. (Source: Destin Little League)

The tournament invites participants from kindergarten through high school to compete in age-appropriate divisions. Players should arrive by 4:45 p.m., with games starting at 5 p.m.

“This tournament is so unbelievably important to us; not only is it fun, it keeps Kohltan’s memory alive,” said Asher Ward, Kohltan’s mother. “Most importantly, the money raised funds the Kohltan Ward scholarship.”

Over its five-year history, the tournament has funded nearly a dozen scholarships for graduating baseball and softball players.

“After this week we will have given out 12 scholarships in the last 5 years almost exclusively from money raised at this event,” Dahlman said.

The tournament features three divisions: K-3rd grade on the tee ball field with parent pitchers, 4th-7th grade on the softball/machine field with player pitching, and 8th-12th grade on the majors/big field with player pitching.

Organizers suggest a $10 minimum donation per player, with all proceeds directly supporting scholarship recipients.

“Register your kids, come hang out and celebrate the memory of our boy. Our angel in the outfield,” Ward added.

The event concludes with a screening of “Angels in the Outfield” on the big field for all players, families and friends.

Those unable to attend can still support the scholarship fund through donations via cash, check payable to Destin Little League, Venmo (@matthewdahlman), or PayPal (matthew.dahlman@gmail.com).