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MARQUETTE -- Spring and softball season may still be a few months away, but that didn't stop some players from getting a head start on their training.

The 18th annual Jaycees softball tournament kicked off Thursday evening at the Superior Dome.  Twenty-four teams from all over the Midwest are competing in the tournament which raises money for the Special Olympics.  Organizers say the event continues to grow in popularity, all while helping a good cause.

"It's a great event for the Special Olympics, a great fund-raiser for them.  Like I said, we raised over $26,000 in the last three years.  So that benefits Area 36 Special Olympics, which is Marquette, Alger, Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties," explains Jaycees President Dan Blondeau.

The tournament will continue Friday from 8 a.m.-midnight, Saturday 9 a.m -12 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.