KASSON, Minn. (KTTC)- The rains Saturday morning were far from enough to deter those who have struggled with addiction from enjoying a celebration of sobriety.
People often play sports for the love of the game, but in the case of the gathering Saturday, it is for the love of being sober.
"To take down those barriers of communication," says Tiffany Hunsley of Rochester, "that fear of the relationship that you have with them and having authority over you, and I think it builds trust.
The Dodge County and Wabasha County Drug Courts, those who work for them and are participants in them, united for the annual Sober Fest softball game and raffle.
Those who go through drug court often deal with a difficult life of addiction and pain. Saturday was a chance to put that in the past.
"It was a blast, I like it a lot," says Shane Anderson of Hayfield, a first-time participant in the event. "It's a good way to get all of us together, get people in drug court to know eachother better."
Participants ranged from drug court alumni to recent members of the program, all dealing with their own demons.
"I was addicted to methanphedamine, I did burglaries and stuff like that when I was using," explains Anderson. "Now it's a lot better, a lot better."
Dodge County took the victory on the field, but everyone there is able to celebrate new life, giving them all a mark in the win column.
"I think the more people that we've gotten there and the more participation and actual conversations and to see how this makes a difference is making a difference," says Hunsley, "and more and more people are starting to see that."
The money raised in sponsorships and the raffle goes back to the drug courts to help others dealing with substance abuse addiction.
