“The new American pastime” is the slogan of WAKA —World Adult Kickball Association — and the organization is invading Sandy Springs.

WAKA was created in 1998 in Washington D.C. and is now operating in 30 states, England and Iraq. The league is an adult-only organization, with a minimum age requirement of 21.

Paula Ogletree, the regional customer service manager for the Carolinas and Georgia, said it is the social aspect that brings people to the field.

“WAKA says that you don’t need to be the perfect athlete,” she said. “It’s more of a social atmosphere. WAKA brings people together to have fun and happiness through kickball. WAKA is in the happiness business.”

Kickballer David Holcomb echoed Ogletree in his explanation of why he plays for WAKA.

“The social aspect of kickball is what keeps me coming back,” he said. “The team bar sessions are nice too.”

Amy Allen, a Smyrna resident, said it was the good times that keep her playing kickball.

“It’s fun to act like a kindergartner every once in a while, and kickball allows you to do that.”

While WAKA is all about having a good time, they also donate time and money to local charities.

“Since I have been a WAKA division representative the last three years, kickballers have helped to raise over $7,000 for local charities ranging from Our Pal’s Place, Atlanta Weimaraner Rescue, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and The Shepherd Center,” Atlanta regional representative Thomas Johnson said.

“The WAKA division kickball board votes on the charities for each party and we try to spread the donations to as wide variety of local organizations as possible,” Johnson added.

Charity and having fun are not the only perks to competing in WAKA. The top two teams from each division are invited to compete in the national tournament, The Founder’s Cup, in Las Vegas in October during Columbus Day weekend.
Summer registration is under way for the Sandy Springs division — there are eight divisions in Atlanta — and the season has just begun.

The Sandy Springs games are held at Hammond Park Thursday nights beginning at 6:45.

Information: Johnson, (678) 428-5716 or visit www.kickball.com.