The Jackson County Parks + Rec Department announced that it will host the USA Elite Select 12 and Under World Fast Pitch Championships at Adair Park from July 10 – 15. Game times will run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

Thirty-five teams will be traveling to Independence from Alabama, California, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
The teams competing are the elite of the traveling girls softball teams. The tournament is presented by the USSSA National Office. This is the 12th year that Jackson County has hosted a World Series Tournament at Adair Park, and the first year the county is hosting a USA Elite Select Tournament.

“We are very pleased that the Jackson County Parks + Rec will be hosting this year’s USA Elite Select World Fastpitch Championships,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “We believe we provide an excellent location for this high-profile event.”

Two teams from Jackson County will be competing: Kansas City DeMarini Aces (coached by Ryan Taylor) and Kansas City Originals Self (coached by Ed Woebel). Other Missouri teams are from St. Louis, Jefferson City, Perryville and Peculiar.

Adair Park is located on 40 acres at 4400 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence, just south of I-70. The softball fields at the park provide an ideal location for traveling girls teams.

“We welcome all the players and everyone associated with this premier girls softball event and invite them to enjoy all that our Jackson County Parks have to offer,” said Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman. “In addition to our exceptional softball complex, they are just minutes away from our beautiful lakes, beaches and other exciting attractions.”