Charity softball game at Principal Park seeks volunteers

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Opportunity on Deck, a nonprofit that offers free sporting opportunities to elementary-aged kids, is seeking volunteers for two teams of 12 to play in the Game for Good fundraiser at Principal Park Sept. 13. Former Iowa Hawkeye Tavian Banks and Drake University women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk will lead volunteers to “relive their glory days by swinging for the fences for the afternoon,” Executive Director Dylan DeClerck said in a news release. Volunteers will play in a slow-pitch softball game and home run derby at 4 p.m. Opportunity on Deck provides free-of-charge athletic opportunities for children who otherwise would not be able to participate due to rising costs. Over the past six years, free sporting opportunities have been provided to about 2,000 kids in six sports, saving an estimated $100,000-plus in league fees, equipment, coaching, uniforms and more, according to the organization. Those interested in playing Game for Good are asked to contact DeClerck at dylan@opportunityondeck.org or 515-422-4123.