The U16 boys’ softball team are a very unique group of boys. In what one of the parents referred to as a dying sport, these softball players have been playing together for over a decade.
The team of 11 has their challenges though. One of the biggest is that there is a lack of competition on the Island, and they often have to go to the mainland to play. They play competitively within their own team, and the local girls give them strong competition as well.
But to expand their playing field (so to speak), they do need to travel to the mainland. Just recently, they played in Richmond where they came in fourth in the tournament. Assistant Coach Mike Connor estimates that they need to go off-Island at least three times a year.
To help offset their costs, the team does a lot of fundraising around town.
“We’ve always had good support from the community,” said Michelle Wass, one of the fundraising co-ordinators for the team.
Their next off-Island jaunt will be to play in the BC Provincials, happening in Clearwater from July 4 – 6, and both the players and the adults are actively fundraising for that excursion. This past weekend they were out selling Kristy Kremes. Next weekend, on June 7, they will be hosting a bottle-drive at the Welcome to Sooke sign. That daytime event will be followed by a “Beer and Burger” night at Buffy’s. Tickets for that event are $12. The evening event also includes a silent auction, to which many local businesses have generously contributed.
Not all games are off the Island though. This year, the BC Summer Games are being hosted in Nanaimo, and the Western Canadian Championships take place in Duncan.
“It’s a lucky year,” observed Doug Titchkosky, one of the parents.
Lucky, yes. But they’ll still need support getting their boys off the Island.
So look for them next weekend when you have your bottles in the back of the car. And if you want to participate in the Beer and Burger fundraising event at Buffy’s, you can either buy your ticket at the door or reserve in advance by phoning Michelle Wass at 250-642-7224.
