Fairfield’s 17th annual Sticks for Soldiers Thanksgiving Charity Lacrosse Classic was held on Saturday, hosted by the Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys and girls lacrosse teams.

Sticks for Soldiers is a nonprofit charity that raises money to support wounded veterans and active service members.

More than 500 students from 33 Connecticut high school teams participated this year to play 50 games.

This year’s honoree and beneficiary was Spc. Reda Said, a 22-year-old who suffered traumatic injuries while serving in the Massachusetts National Guard in August 2022.

"I feel excited and ecstatic…a whole lot of emotions to be honest,” said Said. “It feels great to be recognized sometimes because it's good as a whole community. I'm not from here and everyone here coming down to show support says a lot for our people."

For more information about the tournament and organization you can visit their website.