Battle of the Badges has heroes duke it out on the diamond

July 29, 2011 Heather Chin
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If you want to head to Coney Island, but can’t stand the idea ofbaking in the sun on the beach, why not head to the third annualBattle of the Badges this Sunday, July 31!

The charity softball game at MCU Park will pit FDNY firefighters,NYPD police officers, corrections officers and Port Authoritypolice against each other in a friendly yet fierce battle betweenpeople who otherwise spend their days working together to keep NewYork safe and up and running. The winning team will take home theHeroes Trophy, won last year by NYC’s Bravest, the FDNY.

However, their softball fight is still for a good cause, with allproceeds from ticket sales – $10 general admission, $50 for VIPs(entrance plus a BBQ) — going to Opportunities for A BetterTomorrow (OBT), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to helpingdisadvantaged youth and adults build confidence andself-sufficiency through programs in job training and placement,life skills and one-on-one support. OBT has offices in Sunset Parkand Bushwick/Williamsburg.

These are [neighborhood] kids, kids who have had challenges intheir life. Through this program, we’ve been able to help them turnthings around, said Randy Peers, OBT’s executive director since2006. Programs are free, and we get some funding in governmentcontracts and grants and events like the Battle of theBadges.

The fun-filled day begins at 11 a.m. at 1904 Surf Avenue, where theaction will continue until 4 p.m. The event will also be acommunity festival of sorts, featuring games, rides, face-painting,bouncy houses, and live music and dance performances. Also on-handwill be DJ Alex Sensation from NYC’s top Latin radio station LaMega 97.9fm.

For event information and tickets, call Evelyn Ortiz at718-369-0303, extension 22, or visithttp://www.obtjobs.org/index.php/114.

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