BATTLEFORD — A delegation from the Battleford Softball Association brought exciting news to council at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.
The Town of Battleford has been accepted as host for the 2024 U15 Western Canadian Championships, set for Aug. 2 to 5, 2024.
"We're going to see teams obviously from Western Canada, there will be boys and girls playing, at least nine teams of girls, and five to six male teams," said Darren Russell, current president of the association as of Monday.
He estimated there will be approximately 240 players, along with 60 coaches, officials, administration, and all the fans that will come along to see top-level softball played in Battleford.
"We choose to host in Battleford because one the facility is big enough but the other part of it is that facility is awesome enough. [The] Town of Battleford's Parks and Recreation [department] do a great job down there and Heath Beaudry does an amazing job keeping us ready to roll," he said.
He also noted that it was a unanimous decision from the Saskatchewan association to come to Battleford.
“I’m pretty excited to put our town on the map,” Russell added.
He noted that although information is just starting to get out there, people have already stepped forward with donations towards the event.
“As far as the event itself Counsellor [Kevin] Russell can attest to it. It’s a huge kind of program, you get the best players in Western Canada … it’s an exciting event to host," Ryan Shepherd, who also attended as part of the delegation, said.
“It’s going to be a good event.”
Councillor Judy Pruden asked if there was anything the town could do to help, suggesting they book the campground ahead of the event.
Mayor Ames Leslie was also curious if there was anything the Town of Battleford could do to support them as they prepare for the event.
"I'm excited ... it just goes to show right? The Flats were where I learned how to play ball 40 years ago and it's still a top-notch facility," Mayor Leslie said in comments to the media.
"It just goes back to that investment into our youth and into recreation ... [it's something that we're slowly getting recognition for."
