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Veterans Softball Tournament And Family Fest Coming To Beverly Park

 A memorial to Cpl. Conner T. Lowry can be found in Beverly Park. Lowry died March 1, 2012 while returning from a mission in Afghanistan. The park will host a softball tournament for veterans July 15.
A memorial to Cpl. Conner T. Lowry can be found in Beverly Park. Lowry died March 1, 2012 while returning from a mission in Afghanistan. The park will host a softball tournament for veterans July 15.
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DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig

BEVERLY — Veterans and their families will gather from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 15 at Beverly Park for a softball tournament and festival that will include food, music, face painting, a bounce house and more.

The sixth annual Veterans Softball Tournament and Family Fest is free for players and spectators, said Modie Lavin, a family outreach coordinator for the Road Home Program.

This mental health clinic operated through Rush Hospital will sponsor the day's events. The tournament is also hosted by the Chicago Park District and the Warrior Summit Coalition.

Lavin's program works with returning veterans and their families who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other issues. Similarly, the coalition works with vets to find civilian employment and connect them resources available upon returning home.

"We are encouraging veterans to invite their families, and the community to come and join us that day," said Lavin, whose son Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, died March 1, 2012 while returning from a mission in Afghanistan.

A memorial to Lowry sits in the park that will host to the softball tournament this year. The event has been hosted at other parks throughout the city for the past six years. The deadline to sign up for the tournament has been extended to July 10.

Already, seven teams have signed on for the 16-inch softball tournament, and more are expected in the coming days, Lavin said Friday.

"The Chicago Park District has a strong veterans program," Lavin said. "More veterans' teams are encouraged to join."

Each team must have 70 percent veterans, active-duty military or veterans' direct family members. The teams require a mix of men and women. Veterans interested in playing but unable to field a team are encouraged to sign up for an open roster spot.

For more information, email Joel Gutierrez at joel.gutierrez@chicagoparksdistrict.com or call 312-745-2170.