Come Celebrate the Life of Mike Smith at Annual Ball Tournament

In May 2023, friends, family, teammates, firefighters, coaches, local businesses and residents came together for the first Mike Smith Ball Tournament. Originally organized to help support Mike and his family during his battle with cancer, the event took on a different meaning when Mike passed away just days before the tournament. The community rallied together and turned it into a Celebration of Mike’s life and an opportunity to support his wife and children during an incredibly difficult time and decided to make it an annual event.
Mike Smith was more than a player on the ball diamond. He was a devoted husband and father, a respected member of the Martensville Fire Department, a coach, mentor, teammate and friend. His impact could be seen throughout the community, from the sports teams he coached to the countless people whose lives he touched through his kindness and willingness to help others. His legacy continues to be recognized within the community, including at the Martensville Recreation Centre, where he is honoured as a player, coach and fan.
Teams gathered at the tournament not only to compete, but to share stories and celebrate the values Mike represented; community, sportsmanship, generosity and family. Local businesses donated auction items, volunteers gave their time and residents showed up in large numbers to support a family that had given so much to their community.
The tournament stands as an example of how Martensville comes together when one of its own needs support. The success of the event reflected the same small-town values that continue to define the community today; coming together for a greater cause.
This year’s event will be on Saturday, September 12th and is still open for registration. The cost is $400/Co-Ed 7-3 so if you are interested in participating, please contact angieskates@hotmail.com.
Angela Reddekopp, one of the organizers stated, “We will also have a 50/50 and a rewind buy in that you can purchase before your game and rewind a play at some point throughout the game.”
All proceeds from the tournament will be donated back to the community that he loved – to someone in need or a non-profit organization.
If you aren’t registered to play, make sure to stop by to watch some ball and celebrate and remember a man whose legacy continues to inspire Martensville.