Monroe to host 20th sports tournament Aug. 12-15

MONROE-After months of preparation, the town of Monroe is ready to kick off their 20th annual sports tournament in August. The tournament, which will be held at Smith Clove Park and is sponsored by Monroe Bagels & Deli and The Monroe Joint Park & Recreation Commission, will run from Aug.12-Aug 15 and will include paddleball, racquetball, tennis, handball, and beach volleyball. According to Tournament Director Eugene Carucci, the event is expected to draw 225-300 athletes. Carucci and Assistant Tournament Director Ralph Maffei have been coordinating the tournament since February in hopes to achieve such a large turnout. Both men confirm over 100 paid commitments. "We want people from all over to play," said Carucci. "This is not just open to Monroe. We want people from Chester, Warwick, Goshen, Florida, and Middletown to play. We want everybody." Each event is divided into categories. Players wishing to compete in the racquetball tournament can play singles or doubles. The singles competition is broken into Male A, Male B, Male Novice, Male Clydesdale, Female Open, and Junior 16 & under. Doubles is divided into Male A, Male B, Mixed, Female Open, and Junior 16 & Under. Competitors can also play singles and doubles in paddleball, tennis, and handball. Beach Volleyball is the newcomer to this year's tournament and is available exclusively to doubles. There is an entry fee of $13 for Monroe residents and property owners for one event and $8 for each additional event. It is $16 for the first event and $10 for additional events for all other players. All players will receive a tournament t-shirt designed by world renowned Orange County artist Bruce Bleach. First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded. Tournament entry forms are available at Monroe's Town and Village Halls, Monroe Bagels & Deli, and other fine businesses in the Monroe Area. For more information visit Smith Clove Park Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m and over the weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The entry deadline is Aug. 10. All forms may be submitted to the town or village hall, Monroe Bagels & Deli, or Smith Clove Park on the above days and times.