Eight teams of aspiring young ball players took to the diamonds at Centennial Park over the long weekend to vie for the title in the inaugural Henri Lorieau Memorial Tournament.
The tournament, housed by the White Rock-South Surrey Baseball Association, was organized in honour of the former association president who, for years, was “the face” of the WRSSBA’s annual Mini-8 tournament.
Lorieau passed away last November at the age of 62.
John Hogg, one of the tournament organizers, said Tuesday that the goal “to capture the fun and spirit of Henri” was definitely achieved.
“It was a great weekend and perfect start to what will be a great annual July long weekend tournament.”
Lorieau’s wife, Julie, threw out the inaugural pitch Friday, which was caught by his son, Marc.
Skills competitions were also part of the event, led by the White Rock Tritons.
In addition to a pair of teams from White Rock, squads from Whalley, Abbotsford, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Langley and Mount Seymour (North Vancouver) participated in the tournament, with the White Rock team claiming victory in the gold-medal round.
Hogg said funds raised over the weekend – approximately $7,000 – will benefit the BC Cancer Agency, hospice and the Little League Challenger Program.
