The Greenfield Park Gazette

Mike Reid Memorial Softball Tournament

Mike Reid lived his entire life with Duschenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal disease characterized by the rapid progression of muscular degeneration. And lived he did, because he was determined to live life as a “normal kid”. His caring personality and sarcastic wit made him an instant hit with everyone he met. But it is his love of sports, all sports, for which he is most frequently remembered.

Michael Reid passed away on June 12, 1984, at the age of 20. It was to be his graduation day from the Mackay Rehabilitation Center (MRC), where he had been a student for many years.

Twenty-four summers have come and gone since then. I say summers because when I, like many long time South Shore residents, hear the name Mike Reid, I think of warm summer days at the ball field. The name Mike Reid has come to mean many things to each of us. Competition, reuniting with old friends, family, celebration, good times and laughter are some of the words and feelings that come to mind. For many, the memorial softball tournament that bears Mike’s name has become an annual tradition, almost a ritual, not to be missed no matter the reason. In the past, people have planned their vacations, traveled from across the country, and organized family celebrations, and other important life events around the tournament. To Michael’s family and friends however, the tournament means much more…

The Mike Reid Memorial Softball Tournament (in support of the Mackay Rehabilitation Center and other local charities), will celebrate its 24th anniversary this year. The idea was born out of a desire by Mike’s father Frank, his mother Linda, his sister Kathy and some friends (particularly tournament front-man Wade Wilson) to honor Mike’s deep rooted love of sports, including softball. Further, they hoped to contribute to their community and to support the outstanding work done by the MRC. They have, by all measures, overwhelmingly succeeded. Further, the tournament has served as a pioneer model for other tournaments which annually raise thousands of dollars for local charities.

Money raised by Mike’s tournament has allowed the MRC to help hundreds of children and adults achieve a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence through activities like field trips and camps. These are events that, without the tournament funding, the students and their families might otherwise never have experienced. In 1985, The Michael Reid Memorial Award was created at the MRC. It is awarded annually to the student who best displays honesty, compassion, friendliness, and exceptional determination; all characteristics for which Mike had become well known. The center has also named its resource room in his memory.

Wade Wilson always makes a point in his closing remarks to say of his friend, that “Mike is smiling down on us right now…” Based on the success of his tournament, he has good reason to smile.

I, like most who have participated in the tournament over the years, never had the privilege of meeting Mike in person; clearly our collective loss. For I cannot help but wonder what it would have been like to meet and to know someone with the ability to touch and inspire so many, and contribute so much to his community, in life…and for so many years thereafter.

This year’s tournament will be held on August 7-10 behind the Cynthia Coull Arena in Greenfield Park If you would like more information, you can contact Frank Reid at: 450-671-4380.

To learn more about the Mackay Rehabilitation Center, or to make a donation, please visit their web site at: www.centremackay.org

* Source: Mackay Rehabilitation Center web site.

[editor's note: This post was written by Dean Clark, a longtime supporter and participant in the tournament (and no slouch to community support himself!)]