Active members of Alpha Gamma Chi with Rob Bailey, head of YWEA24. (Contributed Photo)
Lee University’s Alpha Gamma Chi, a men’s social service club, will attempt to break the world record for the longest softball game while raising money for Youth World Evangelism Action 2024 (YWEA24). The game will start on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. and end on Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., comprising 120 hours of play. The club is attempting to beat the longest game recorded by Guinness World Records by five hours.
“The club’s heart behind this is what we’re doing it for,” said Micah Grow, Chi’s alumni coordinator. “We’re excited to participate in the club’s legacy and one of Lee’s traditions, but ultimately, we’re doing this to reach young people in Oceania in partnership with the Church of God.”
Rob Bailey, international director of the Church of God’s Youth and Discipleship Department and head of YWEA24, introduced the idea of raising money for the cause and facilitated the partnership between the Church of God, Lee, and Alpha Gamma Chi.
“The cause really pulled on our hearts, and it’s also been awesome to partner with Lee and the Church of God,” said Zach Constantinescu, Chi president. “Because we’re a service club, reaching out to the community is what we’re about.”
Founded in 1963, the club is no stranger to these attempts. Chi broke the record in 1986 and 2005, playing for 100 and 101 hours, respectively. In 1986, the club raised money for a March of Dimes neo-natal cardiac surgery. In 2005, the club used the game to raise over $50,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“I count playing in the 2005 version of the softball marathon as one of my greatest accomplishments,” said Carman Lastoria, Chi alum and associate athletic director of external operations and annual giving at Lee. “I was proud of the way we came together as a club to help people in need and persevered to achieve a difficult goal, and I look forward to being out there to support this team, just like the 1986 team was out there to support us.”
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Alpha Gamma Chi is one of Lee’s first Greek clubs and is committed to developing Christian scholars and Christian gentlemen for the greater glory of God.
“This year’s club is stepping into Chi’s legacy of achievement and service by breaking the record again for a great cause,” said Dr. Randy Sheeks, head sponsor of Alpha Gamma Chi and associate dean of Lee’s School of Music. “I’m proud of the work these men are doing; it’s their vision and dream. This is a great way to celebrate the club and its rich history.”
To support the Church’s evangelical missions, YWEA24 will minister to young people in Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand, countries that have seen a decrease in the spread of the gospel and high suicide and mortality rates in children.
To support Alpha Gamma Chi’s marathon softball game, fill out the form at form.jotform.com/231645042221140.
For more information about YWEA24, visit www.cogyd.org/myywea.
For more information about Alpha Gamma Chi’s 60th anniversary, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/alpha-gamma-chi-anniversary/.
