By Grace Braswell
Daily News

On Saturday, the First Choice Women’s Center hosted its third annual “Not Just for Kicks” kickball tournament, where 19 churches and businesses competed to raise money for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. 

This kickball tournament has taken place every August for the past three years. Michelle Thompson, executive director for the First Choice Women’s center, said several teams have competed all three years. However, the amount of community participation has increased every year. 

“We used to have a 5k run, but then it was decided that we wanted something a little different,” Thompson said. 

“We figured people would be willing to participate in a friendly competition while also supporting a good cause in their community, which is why we decided on kickball.”

First Choice Women’s Center’s is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide care and guidance to women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. 

“We provide compassion, hope, and help for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy,” Thompson said. “We are there for women so they are not alone.”

Kaitlann Jones, a competitor at the kickball tournament, said the reason she was competing was to support the cause. 

“I wanted to compete to raise money for the pregnancy center,” Jones said when asked why she was at the event. “I am supportive of what the First Choice Women’s center does, and I’m happy to help them out and have a good time doing it.”

Jackson Services went home with the trophy, with American Home Shield following in second place. In the future, First Choice Women’s center plans on continuing “Not Just for Kicks,” in hopes that the competition will become a staple in LaGrange’s community.