CLINTON — The annual Oneida County STOP-DWI Baseball & Softball Classic, which has expanded to add softball to what has been a baseball event, will start Friday and continue Saturday.

It will take place at the Loop Road Baseball/Softball Complex at Hamilton College in Clinton.

“For nine years, the STOP-DWI Baseball Classic has served as a catalyst for raising awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs among student athletes and their families,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said. “This year, we are happy to incorporate softball into this great event and reach an even bigger audience which we can educate on health and safety issues. Our partnership with Hamilton College, and its top-of-the-line sporting facility, has allowed us to expand this event and I thank them for helping us take it to the next level.” 

Baseball and softball matchups are played at the same time on different fields.

Friday’s two games are Holland Patent against Vernon-Verona-Sherrill at 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Oriskany and Westmoreland play at 10 a.m., New Hartford and Notre Dame square off at 1 p.m. and Adirondack and Clinton play at 4 p.m.

The following educational stations will be available to students and attendees at the event:

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office — The Dangers of Texting & Driving.

Oneida County Health Department — Food for Fuel & Energize the Body.

New York State Police — The Importance of Seatbelts.

New York State Department of Transportation — The Dangers of Work Zone & Pedestrian Driving Safety.

Center for Family Life & Recovery — How Mental Health Impacts Physical Well-Being.

Helio Health — Dangers of Opioids & Synthetic Drugs.

All participating student athletes will also sign the county’s Don’t Text & Drive Pledge.

The free event is a joint venture between the Oneida County Youth Bureau and the Oneida County STOP-DWI program, which provides education to local school districts throughout the year.

Sponsors are Cliff’s Local Market, Cooperstown Bat, First Source Federal Credit Union, JDE Computer Staffing, Mohawk Valley Community College, Preferred Mutual, Tents Plus and WURTH.