OTHELLO – This Thursday, the Othello Police Department and various teachers from the Othello School District will be competing in a game of flag football to raise funds for the Othello Cancer Support Group. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Othello High School Stadium and is $1 to attend with further donations encouraged.  

“I would just encourage the entire community to go out there,” OPD Assistant Chief Aaron Garza said. “We're a tight-knit community. There's a lot of families that are tied to all the teachers and stuff here in our school district. So, I would encourage everybody to come out, cheer on your favorite team.” 

This is the first flag football game that Garza can remember. He said they used to do a softball game annually against the girls’ high school team, however that hasn’t happened in recent years. Garza explained that the Othello Cancer Support Group helps residents battling cancer and that’s where the money earned at the game will go.  

“This is a great way for us to be out there in the community to just let the community know who we are and have fun all at the same time,” Garza said. “It's a great way, just through sports and through competition, to get people out there, let people know who we are, connect with our citizens, help build our partner partnerships and relationships with the community stronger each and every day.” 

There will also be vendors including Glizzies on Da Block and Bethel Cafe. There will also be a half-time performance from the Othello High School Cheer team and the Jr. Huskies Cheer team.  

“Well, we've been practicing, and I don't want to sound overconfident, but just say, I have a strong inclination that we're going to do fairly well,” Garza said.  

    Othello School District teachers will be competing against the Othello Police Department in a flag football game 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Othello High School. Admission is $1 and all funds earned will go back to the Othello Cancer Group.