The exhibition game will be held July 21 at JRMCC. (submitted photo/Kevin Roberts)

By Derek Cornet

sports opportunity

JRMCC to host New Zealand fastball team in July

May 30, 2019 | 5:04 PM

Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) will host an International Youth Fastball team from New Zealand in July.

An exhibition game will be held at the facility as part of the Super 8 International U14 Boys Invitational Fastpitch Series. The match will feature New Zealand ISA which will play a double-header against the Sask Prairie Selects at the JRMCC Sports Grounds. According to Director of Sports and Recreation Kevin Roberts, it will be a good opportunity for tri-community residents to learn what fastball is all about.

“We’re starting to make some headway with promoting the fastball game,” he said. “It’s our first time hosting an international fastball event.”

Roberts, who is also a founder of the Sask Prairie Selects, said the team was originally asked if they wanted to have a series in Saskatoon, so they pitched the idea of bringing an exhibition game to northern Saskatchewan. Those games are scheduled for July 21 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

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The New Zealand team is well-known for their pre-game haka, which is a ceremonial dance or challenge in the Maori culture. Roberts noted he watched the haka performed at the Junior Men’s World Softball Championships last year in Prince Albert. He added the performance brought in a crowd and was a sight to see.

The Sask Prairie Selects is a relatively new program. (submitted photo/Kevin Roberts)

“We want to showcase our northern hospitality,” Roberts said. “We’re going to be planning a traditional feast with them before they take off back to Saskatoon. We’re looking to have a fish fry with some moose meat and bannock.”

The Sask Prairie Selects is a relatively new program, which provides elite Indigenous youth from across the province with sports opportunities in both fastball and hockey. The Selects won the inaugural Super 8 International U14 Boys Invitational Fastpitch Tournament last year in Saskatoon.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno