Out of the way Mayor Bloomberg, the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions have been in touch with the United Athletic Association (UAA) about participating in the 8th Annual Mayor's Cup Softball Tournament in September. The invitational tournament will feature the best teams in the New York City area in three divisions: Men's and Women's Fast Pitch, and Co-ed Slow Pitch.

The UAA is a not-for-profit group representing amateur adult and youth sports organizations in the NYC area, in conjunction with the NYC Parks Department, will run the event. Funds raised by the tournament will provide uniforms and equipment for Little League Baseball Programs. Last year, the event rose over $25,000.

The qualifying rounds will be held in each of the five boroughs, making the Mayor's Cup a true citywide championship. The Golden Lions have received their application for registration in the Co-ed Slow Pitch tournament and, according to UAA Chairman Al Morales, if selected the Lions will play at Cunningham Park in Queens. The qualifying rounds will take place on Saturday, September 13. Qualifying rounds and finals will be single elimination.

The winners from each borough division will then vie for the 2003 Mayor's Cup Trophy in Manhattan, the following week. The City championship will be held on Saturday, September 20, beginning at 10 a.m. at Heckscher softball fields in Central Park. "This is a new and exciting challenge for our team," said Ed Bochynski, chairman of the Columbus Lodge softball program.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions is a local area softball team dedicated to raising money for local charities through softball fund raising events. This year, such events have raised over $58,000 and since the team's inception these events have raised over $570,000. Over the past two seasons, the Golden Lions have posted a .833 winning percentage.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 is a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community involvement. To become a member of this organization, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.