The COVID-19 pandemic struck many parts of the community, one of which being the game of baseball. According to Tammy Davis, organizer of the tournament, baseball was heavily affected by the pandemic. Davis continued by saying that for a . . .

community that loves baseball so much, it was a difficult transition to not be playing for two years. “Ball was definitely a big part of the community,” said Davis. Tournaments were not the only things affected by covid regulations. Thursday night ball, a tradition for the community, was cancelled until mask, and distancing mandates were lifted. Davis looks at the positives of this issue by pointing out that the break from the game has made community members value their time on the diamond even more, “everybody is in amazing spirit because I think they were really looking forward to it.”

Davis pointed out that for the people of Bryson, it was not only about the game of baseball, but it was about community engagement, “Although our main priority is fundraising, what I wanted to get to do was really just to have an event going on in the community for all ages to come out.”

Though fun is a side-effect of the tournament, the primary goal was fundraising for the community. The Bryson RA is hoping to install new swings and play structure equipment. A new social program that the RA is providing is lowering the cost of children’s sports for families. “The RA covers a portion of their registration fee so that it doesn’t cost families as much to enroll their children in sports,” explained Davis.

Eleven teams participated in the tournament. The players’ ages ranged from 16 to 60, and they played from Friday to Sunday, no matter the weather. Unfavourable weather conditions were felt by those on the field and in the stands however Davis says that it did not stop them from playing the game, “mainly the wind and the cold but a little bit of rain. It didn’t hold us back at all.”

Darien Routliffe refereeing Saturday’s event.

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