Inaugural Officer Chris Oberheim Baseball Memorial Tournament starts this week

FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) — The first Officer Chris Oberheim Baseball Memorial Tournament is coming up this week.

This tournament is dedicated to Officer Chris Oberheim, who was killed in the line of duty on May 19, 2021.

Hosted by Kelsey Washburn, the niece of Officer Oberheim, and her husband, Wyatt Washburn, the tournament honors Chris' love for being at the ball diamonds while raising funds for Concerns of Police Survivors, Illinois Chapter (IL COPS). This organization provides essential support to families of fallen officers.

This year's event marks the beginning of what the Washburns hope will become an annual tradition, with expectations for continued growth in both participation and age divisions.

Eighteen 8-U travel baseball teams will compete in the tournament.

In addition to the baseball action, the weekend will include family-friendly activities such as a police parade, food vendors, emergency vehicles for kids to explore, and visits from therapy dogs.

"IL COPS was there for us through some of our hardest days and continues to be there for our family. We are excited to help raise funds for this amazing organization while keeping Chris' legacy alive. We can't thank the community and our vendors enough for helping make this event possible," said Kelsey Washburn. "Our goal is to make this event more than a tournament with lots of family fun. Chris deserves it all plus so much more. I have no doubt he's looking down smiling."

A portion of the funds from this tournament will benefit IL COPS to help other families navigate the heartbreaking loss of a loved one in law enforcement.