For the first time this election cycle all of the gubernatorial candidates will have a chance to play ball and leave the politics behind.

Independent gubernatorial candidate, Sam Young, has invited all of the candidates to a gubernatorial softball challenge called “Bring it to the Ballfield."

The non-competitive, mixed softball game will take place in West Glover on Sunday at 2 p.m. After the game, candidates will participate in a question and answer forum.

“Softball, like Vermont politics, is built into the foundation of small towns and rural community, and I hope this is an event to celebrate those components that are still making our state strong today,” Young said in a statement. “This challenge is our chance as gubernatorial candidates to escape the partisan politics that often confuse campaigns and to remind voters that we all have the same goal, which is to strengthen the state we all love and lead it forward to a better tomorrow.”

Independents Anthony Pollina and Tony O’Connor will be in attendance. Republican Jim Douglas’ campaign said he could not make it due to scheduling conflicts. Democrat Gaye Symington could not participate in the ball game either because she will be at the Democratic National Convention.  The Douglas campaign will have staffers at the event.

“He thinks it’s a great idea,” Douglas campaign manager Denise Casey said. “It’s a new and exciting way for the candidates to interact. We wanted to show our support for the effort anyway even though the governor can’t be there.”

There will be a random selection of teams so all of the campaigns will play together. “Basically it will be a huge bucket of gloves and an old fashion style Vermont ball game,” Pollina campaign manager Meg Brook said.

“I hope that the event in some way can create some interest in the election and bring us back to the idea that it’s not about fighting between democrats, republicans and independents," Young campaign manager Nicole Colston said. "It’s about finding the best solutions for Vermont."

Colston expects to see approximately 75 Young supporters and is not sure how many will be there to support other candidates.

A reporter from the Barton Chronicle will moderate the question and answer session. Candidates will have the option for a 10 minute rebuttal to any of the questions.

“It’s not a typical thing where its one team against another,” Brook said.  “It’s just all of us who are working on campaigns and excited about the election playing ball together. We are all trying to do what we think is best for the state.”

Brook showed enthusiasm for the event because typically debates don’t take place in the less populated areas of Vermont like West Glover, she said. She hopes people in the area will be excited about it and come out to support the candidates.

Young said he wants to show Vermont voters that regardless of the outcome of this race, all of the candidates are willing and able to work together in the true spirit of democracy.