Extensive upgrades to the Dennis Alec Memorial Ball Park have now been completed.
Lake Babine Nation held a special opening ceremony recently which was followed by the Dennis Alec Memorial Fast Ball Tournament.
According to Beatrice McDonald, LBN’s human resources manager the event was a celebration for young and old.
For more than 10 years the Dennis Alec Memorial Ball Park on the Woyonne Reserve has been extensively used.
The was named after the late Dennis Alec, who, according to Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam, loved the sport.
“We are very happy to have fixed up the ball field that was named after a much respected elder. He loved the sport and it was a proud moment for his family … they were all there including his kids and grand kids.”
Lake Babine Nation decided to name the ball field after Alec before he passed away. Chief Adam said it was a way for them to honour his love of the sport.
Through funding from the Nechako Kitimat Development Fund Society, Burns Lake Native Development Corporation and Lake Babine Nation, extensive renovations including new bleachers, a new fence, a new concession stand, electricity, upgraded washrooms and a new announcers booth have been completed.
McDonald sad the Key’ikh Wele’ats’in’egh Society, comprising of five LBN members also organized volunteer workers to help with the renovation work.
Chief Adam said that eventually they hope to put a roof over the stands and install some lighting.
The Dennis Alec Memorial Ball Park’s sign was blessed by Reverend Albanus Ogowuihe, during the opening ceremony and Alec’s children Ronnie, Paul, Gary, Marie Patrick and Esther McDonald along with his grandchildren and Matthew Michell, his best friend, cut the ribbon to officially open the upgraded field.
“Everyone was so happy to have working washrooms and electricity at the field,” McDonald said.
Following the opening ceremony, the Dennis Alec Fast Ball Tournament was held in celebration.
