NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. - Special Olympics Massachusetts held a kickball tournament Wednesday to help raise money and bring new teammates into the fold. 

30 athletes with Special Olympics Massachusetts linked up with 120 other competitors from local youth sports organizations Mission to Win and 3Step.

"You'll see athletes of all different ability levels and skill levels and we're just going to put them all on the same team and have that unified experience so our athletes can play with their peers," said Matt Ruxton, vice president of sports and operations. "But more importantly, have these teams interact with our athletes and have that experience of playing together with them."  

It was the first time Special Olympics Massachusetts held a kickball event, and athletes showed up ready to play ball. 

"It's very important because it pays for the competitions, it pays for the venues," said Michael Watson, one of the athletes. "I haven't played kickball, but I think soccer skills will help."

"I played kickball as a kid," said Ryan Dickson, a 31-year veteran of Special Olympics Massachusetts. "Great way to get active!"

Patrick Craig, executive director of Mission to Win, said the organizations had hoped to raise $16,000 in the leadup to Wednesday's tournament. It turned out to be an easy target.

"Right now, we're up to about $20,000 we've raised," said Craig. "We made the fundraising aspect into a competition. Allowing everyone to raise on their own, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the month for the top individual and top team fundraiser."

The unexpected success was due in large part to the work of volunteers like Nick Pedro, who ended up being the top fundraiser. He brought in more than $1,200. 

"I posted it on every single social media page, I went through work, I just live giving back," said Pedro. "I grew up and didn't have much, so now that I'm in somewhat of a position to give back, anything I can."

Perhaps the most important part of Wednesday's tournament was having the ability to interact and unite, showing sports are for everyone to enjoy. 

"I think it's very important because just getting the message out, to spread the message out to other people and let them know what it is, hopefully they can help us out," said athlete Colin Davidson.