TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) hosted its second annual miniature golf tournament this morning.

“I took my son out today to have a little fun right before school starts,” said Terica Gatewood of Play It Again Sports. “So we’re going to play mini golf. A little competition today, a lot of fun and just a lot of fellowship and family.”

Families, friends and colleagues were able to take part in several games at the sports centre on Monday morning…

“We’re lucky to have Play It Again Sports as a sponsor,” said Mike Bell, director of TASC. “They’ve donated things like a disc golf game that you can throw into. We also have ladderball and cornhole. So it’s not just a mini golf tournament, but there are some other fun skills to learn.”

There is one important goal behind all the fun and games.

“What I’m most looking forward to is playing a bit of mini golf and experiencing the camaraderie that comes with it. And then of course I want to help children use the sports equipment so they can become young athletes,” said Valerie Peckham, one of the participants.

TASC hosts the tournament to raise money for sports equipment to provide to children in the community.

“So we’re going to do quarterly distributions where there’s going to be an online form that people can fill out with their needs,” Bell said. “We look at socioeconomic aspects, we look at different parts of the community to make sure the kids have the equipment to play with.”

Sport is often seen as an opportunity to equalize and teach children invaluable lessons.

“Sports teaches a lot to children and adults alike,” Gatewood said. “It’s good for their health and a great family activity. And as a community, we all come here and take pride in our community here in Topeka.”

Donations for this event will go to TASC Cares, which provides grants for community sports programs here in Topeka. If you are involved in a program in an impoverished area, you can apply for a grant here.

All rights reserved.