This weekend the Port Hardy Umpires Association held our annual Ice Breaker slo-pitch tournament. The Sunday playoffs are skins style (each inning you win, your team wins money).
Russ Taylor, Port Hardy resident, invited his friends from Nanaimo (Island Reign) up to play and try and win some money. Just three weeks ago his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and will be starting her battle soon. Their goal was to win some money and donate to her for her expenses while she undergoes her treatment. Island Reign ended up in the finals and won themselves $630.
All the teams at the awards donated their winnings as well; there wasn't a dry eye in the house, and plenty of hugs to go around. They ended up with $2200. I'm so proud of our league. Thank you Blue Sox, Bushcats, Woodchuckers, Generals, Master Batters, Salmon Kings, Canadian Eh's, Bandits, Boozers, Ballerz, Smokers, Swingers, and Alkes. You are all class acts.
As Ryan Handley said, "This is how our community rolls." We have all made some new friends for life.
Leigh Deans
Port Hardy