Kingston sports roundup, Sept. 21 to Sept. 27

KINGSTON --

COMMUNITY

The Recreation Commission voted unanimously Sept. 21 to approve the 2027 "Battle of the Badges" tournament, a competition among police, fire, corrections and EMS teams, for Aug. 7-8, 2027. Organizer Mike McNutra told the commission the event has grown from eight teams five years ago to 32 teams this year, with out-of-state squads and local teams from Chelsea and Bedford among those interested in playing both days. Splitting the tournament over two days is meant to shorten each day's schedule, which this year ran from 9 a.m. to as late as 6 or 7 p.m. McNutra also requested, and received approval for, use of the fields, the concession stand, and a license allowing a local brewery to serve beer on site both days, continuing an arrangement from this year's event. McNutra said he plans to direct some of the tournament's proceeds back to the Recreation Commission to help fund scholarships and financial aid for youth programs, as well as toward planned improvements to the town's ball fields.

YOUTH LEAGUES

Representatives from the Kingston Youth Sports Organization (KYSO) updated the commission on recent activity, including a golf tournament fundraiser held "a couple of weeks back" that board members called a success despite the late timing in the golf season; the group said it may move the event earlier next year. KYSO also introduced Don Alkenbrite as its new vice president and said it is working with member organizations on a sponsorship program, with plans to bring updated proposals back to the commission in the coming month.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.