Southern Softpaw League

Southern Softpaw League (SSL) Gives Back by Helping Animals in Need

ATLANTA, Georgia (July 20, 2009) ? Looking for some doggone-good fun once the dog days of summer burn into autumn? If you have a soft spot in your heart for animals and softball, then Atlanta?s brand new Southern Softpaw League (SSL) is the purr-fect activity for you. SSL is currently recruiting players and teams for the fall season, which runs from September 19 to October 24 (weather permitting). You can sign up today by visiting www.southernsoftpaw.com. Games will be played on Saturdays at Southside Softball Complex on Jonesboro Road in Atlanta. (No games before 10 a.m.)

?Southern Softpaw League is about bringing the gay, bi, transgender and straight communities together for some good old-fashioned, slow-pitch softball,? says league governor Ken DeLeon. ?But this softball league has a unique twist ? we are all animal lovers who want to make a difference for our four-legged friends.?

SSL will highlight pets needing adoption on its website, as well as make donations to deserving local animal charities. Teams that place first through fourth at the end of the season will be given a cash donation for the animal charity of their choice instead of trophies. Teams are challenged to match the league?s donation so that charities receive as much financial support as possible.

Whether you are a seasoned softball pro or a beginner who just wants to have fun, you?ll find a division in SSL that?s right for you. The league can accommodate up to 40 teams in three divisions ? Super Competitive (SC), Competitive Fun (CF) and Just Fun (JF) ? and can assist individuals at all skill levels with team placement. Everyone is welcomed to participate regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, disability or race. The player league membership fee is only $25, and the team fee is $250. Players will not be ?rated? as they are in other leagues. All teams are encouraged to have cheerleading squads to add to the overall enjoyment and league experience.

SSL also is soliciting support from local bars, restaurants, businesses and churches, asking them to join in the cause by becoming league sponsors. SSL has numerous sponsorship opportunities for local businesses ranging from the Grand Slam Sponsor of $1,000 or more to Animal Lover of $5 to $49.

?If their donation qualifies, sponsors receive ?host party? rights and their logos on SSL promotional materials, among other benefits,? DeLeon says. ?The visibility that SSL provides can add hundreds of new customers for local businesses, because we strongly encourage our players, fans and supporters to also support our sponsors.? Businesses that would like to make a donation and become an SSL sponsor can contact league treasurer at ssltreasurer@southernsoftpaw.com.       

For more information on SSL or to complete your registration, visit www.southernsoftpaw.com