City officials compete for a cause

What better way to conclude a weekend-long celebration than with a little friendly competition?

Staff with the City of North Bend ended their July Jubilee 121st birthday celebration by challenging the City of Coos Bay to a softball game.

The first-ever ‘Ian Spalding Memorial’ softball game not only gave city staff and volunteers a way to continue their good-humored rivalry, it also raised funds for a good cause.

“All the money raised today will go to the Ian Spalding Scholarship Fund. Ian was a student athlete at North Bend High School that we lost in a tragic accident,” said Joe Bollig III, during the softball game.

Ian’s Spaldings family and friends, along with the North Bend Community Scholarship fund, continue to honor his character and humility through the Ian Spalding scholarship.

The scholarship has been given to several recipients since its formation and continues to grow considerably.

“The scholarships are geared toward student athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field,” Bollig said.

The Ian Spalding Memorial softball game organizers said they are hoping to build off of the event this year and develop it into one of the primary fundraisers for the Ian Spalding scholarship.

They invited residents of both North Bend and Coos Bay to enjoy the comradery and competition, knowing that the money they donated during the game would honor Ian’s name and benefit future North Bend High School graduates.

Attendees at the softball game could contribute to the scholarship fund by donating at the door, participating in a raffle and silent auction, and through purchasing concessions. Extra runs could also be bought for $5.

The Ian Spalding Memorial Softball Game was held at 11 a.m. at the Clyde Allen Baseball Park on Sunday, July 14.