Hockey fans might not be able to watch Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey this summer because of the state’s restrictions against large gatherings, but they may be able to take part in a Dek hockey tournament open to youngsters and adults in July that will serve as a fundraiser to improve the handicapped accessibility of a North Belle Vernon park.
The Monongahela/Yough Rivers 3V3 Ironman Dek Hockey tournament is scheduled for July 11-12 at the North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park and Bill’s Dek Hockey, Route 51, Rostraver.
Teams will be able to play in one of six age categories and can have a maximum of five runners, but only one goalie. Three games are guaranteed for each team and the champion will be crowned July 12.
North Belle Vernon Councilman said R.J. Sokol, who spearheaded the redevelopment of the park six years ago, wants to use proceeds from the tournament to improve the accessibility of the park, which already has a wheelchair-accessible glider, a wheelchair swing, a series of special needs swings and a specially designed handicapped exercise piece.
With the proceeds from the tournament, organizers want to purchase specially designed wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and an aluminized wheelchair-inclusive bleacher, Sokol said.
“We also are repairing our walking track that touches all of our attractions. This way, if you need some type of mechanical means to get around, our walking path will be safe for everyone,” Sokol said.
For more information on the tournament or to register, call 724-379-3325 or email billsbane@comcast.net.
