FORSYTH, Ill. (WCIA) — A baseball tournament honoring the life and legacy of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim will take place in Forsyth this May.

From May 16-18, the community will come together at Forsyth Park for the inaugural Officer Chris Oberheim Baseball Memorial Tournament. The event is honoring Oberheim, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 19, 2021.

The tournament, hosted by Oberheim’s niece Kelsey Washburn and her husband Wyatt Washburn, celebrates the officer’s passion of being at the baseball diamonds while also raising funds for Concerns of Police Survivors, Illinois Chapter (IL COPS). This organization provides vital support to families of fallen officers.

The tournament marks the start of what the Kelsey and Wyatt hope will become an annual tradition with continued growth in participation and age divisions. This year’s event will include 18 eight and under travel baseball teams, bringing together young athletes from all across Central Illinois and the local community.

On top of the baseball action, the weekend will include family-friendly activities such as a police parade, food vendors, emergency vehicles for kids to explore and visits from therapy dogs. The event is a celebration of service, community and connection with fun for all ages to enjoy.

“IL COPS was there for us through some of our hardest days and continues to be there for our
family,” Kelsey Washburn said. “We are excited to help raise funds for this amazing organization while keeping Chris’ legacy alive. We can’t thank the community and our vendors enough for helping make this event possible.”

The police parade will take place on May 17 at 10 a.m. with a tournament ceremony to follow. The finalized route will be posted to the tournament’s Facebook page.

Additionally, a portion of the funds from this tournament will benefit IL COPS to help other families navigate the heartbreaking loss of a loved one in law enforcement.

“Our goal is to make this event more than a tournament with lots of family fun,” Kelsey Washburn said. “Chris deserves it all plus so much more. I have no doubt he’s looking down smiling.”