'Badge Bash' adds more events

Boxing was the main event of the first "Badge Bash," which was held last year at the Fort Scott National Guard Armory. This year, the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center's moves to the Uniontown High School football stadium and will add several preliminary activities. SEKRCC hopes to exceed the $4,500 it raised for its Christmas charity program at last year's event. (Tribune file photo)

Hoping to build off of last year's success, The Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center will be hosting their second Badge Bash for Christmas Cash beginning at 3 p.m., August 15, at the Uniontown High School football stadium.

The evening will begin with Olympic style games which will feature law enforcement officials and public servants battling against each other in events such as tug-of-war, an obstacle course, two-mile relay, and other entertaining games. A new addition to the event, according to SEKRCC Director of Programs Brad Rich, is the "first down bungee." This event will feature two opponents attached at either end of a bungee cord, running in opposite directions in attempts to ring a bell before their opponent.

The highlight of the event will be the boxing match which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at West Bourbon Elementary. Rich said the event was popular last year because of the growing popularity of mixed martial arts fighting. SEKRCC Director of Security Jimmy Nichols said it is a boxing match with a referee.

"It's a lot of bang for (attendee's) buck," Rich said.

Nichols added, "Who doesn't want to see someone get hit in the head every once in a while, especially when its law enforcement."

In attempts to break-up the violence of the boxing, the SEKRCC has rented inflatable sumo wrestler suits which will be used in between fights.

Nichols said last year's event raised $4,500 which was used to adopt families during the Christmas holiday. He said they hope to make $7,000 this year.

"We try to substantially help each family we adopt," Nichols said.

Rich said Cherokee County, and Bourbon County Fire District No. 3 have already committed to participating and others are still debating.

"It takes a lot for department heads ... to even consider doing this," Nichols said.

Anyone wishing attend the events can purchase tickets at the correctional center, 204 S. National, or at the door the night of the event. Nichols said individuals have also been going door-to-door. The tickets are $10.