Friends of Drug Kickball Tournament Celebrates Sobriety | News

ROCHESTER, Minnesota – About 400 participants met at McQuillan Fields for a kickball game. Hosted by Dodge & Olmsted County Community Corrections, the tournament has been held for eight years and 16 teams from treatment and rehabilitation centers throughout southeastern Minnesota took part.

Some of these included Empower Treatment Center and Recovery is Happening. Event coordinator Andrew Lea says the goal was to celebrate those on the road to recovery.

“Give them a sense of hope and generally help them to regain some self-esteem. For me, that's a win,” said Lea.

Jason Hameister has been part of the Olmsted County drug court program for 10 months and was participating in the tournament for the first time. He was happy to be surrounded by people who are also in recovery.

“It's just cool to be here with all the people that are here to support recovery and the treatment courts and treatment centers in the Rochester area, and it's a lot of fun to see all these people on a beautiful day,” Hameister said.

Peter Aufenthie used to be in the Olmsted County drug court program, but is now a certified peer recovery specialist with Recovery is Happening. He has been attending the tournament for several years and says he has made great friendships there.

“Just getting together with all the people I've known and been doing well from the past,” Aufenthie said. “A lot of us have grown together during our recovery, so it's really a great thing.”

Lea says the goal next year is 500 participants. Recovery is Happening is also hosting a 5K run on September 7th to support those trying to beat addiction. For more information, see this link.