There are many things that people in the Miss-Lou enjoy doing.

Two of those things are participating in sports and raising money for charity.

So what better way to raise money for different charities throughout the year than by sporting events?

Just this weekend there were three big events that have raised money for a good cause.

On Friday, golfers hit the links at Beau Pré Country Club to raise money for the United Way in the 16th annual United Way Golf Tournament.

Everyone had a good time, played some good golf and raised money for a good cause.

Golf isn’t the only way to raise money. Tennis also works well.

And this weekend the 30th annual Natchez Community Cancer Tennis Tournament is taking place at Duncan Park, Beau Pré and Trinity Episcopal School.

Over 140 tennis players from around the Southeast have gathered in Natchez to play some good tennis and raise money for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Tournament co-chairman Noreen Pyron said she hopes to raise about $6,000.

And let’s not forget about horse lovers when it comes to raising money.

On Saturday morning, there was a trail ride in Vidalia to raise money for Kyle’s House and the Sunshine Children’s Shelter.

Riders gathered for the first of what is going to become an annual event to raise money for the worthy charities.

Those are just three of many recent sporting events that have helped raise money for worthy causes.

A couple of months ago there was a fishing tournament that raised over $1,000 for Relay for Life.

There was also a golf tournament at Duncan Park Golf Course that benefited the Special Olympics.

And the list goes on and on.

I guess it only makes sense.

Who doesn’t like to play a round of golf, spend a day on the lake fishing or hit the court for a tennis match with friends?

Sports is a way for friends to interact and hang out together and also a way to stay in shape.

So it makes perfect sense to turn a sports event into a fund raising event.

People can have fun with friends and raise money for charity all at the same time.

And for that reason, it’s no surprise that each and every fund raising event in the area is a great success.

Because if there’s one thing that locals are more than great sportmen, it’s generous.

You combine those two things and it’s a winning combination.

Just ask the United Way and the American Cancer Society.

They’ll tell you the same thing.

Jeff Edwards is the sports editor for The Democrat. He can be reached at sports@natchezdemocrat.com.