The program covered the basics and fundaments of the baseball. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

sports

Baseball program wraps up after two months of play

Aug 25, 2022 | 5:31 PM

Approximately 100 kids between the ages of five and 15 participated in the Jays Care Foundation baseball development program throughout the summer.

The program began eight weeks ago and it ended Thursday with an afternoon of games, as well as a barbecue and banquet. It involved youth from five of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities who practice twice per week and travelled to La Ronge about every other week.

“We met in La Ronge probably about five times now,” said coordinator, Percy Mirasty. “All of the groups come in and we play ball for three or four hours.”

The Jays Care Foundation have funded the baseball development program for several years now. Mirasty explained many of the participants had no prior experience with baseball and, throughout the summer, they got to learn the fundamentals of the sport.

“Overall, it went well,” he said. “At the beginning, we had kids who couldn’t even throw a ball. Now they can throw a ball and catch it, so there’s been a big improvement.”

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

15h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

15h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

16h ago

Out of the communities which attended the program, Mirasty noted Hall Lake was the most enthusiastic as they were bringing groups as large as 40 people to game days in La Ronge. There was also a large presence of players from Grandmother’s Bay and Stanley Mission.

In La Ronge, the program occurred at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre baseball diamonds. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

During the last two days, Mirasty added representatives with the Jays Care Foundation have been in La Ronge evaluating the program. He said they were impressed with what they saw.

“They brought us quite a bit of merchandise to give to the kids too,” Mirasty said. “They gave us a bunch of caps, so all of the kids are wearing Blue Jays caps right now.”

Mirasty is hopeful the program will return in 2023. He mentioned baseball is becoming more popular in northern Saskatchewan and he believes up to 200 participants could be part of it next year if registration is held earlier.

Mirasty is also thankful for the coaches who took part. While some were paid, others volunteered, he said.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno