CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The Campbell River Giants are supporting the Campbell River Special Olympics with a fastball tournament.
Maureen Hunter, the coordinator for the Special Olympics’ Campbell River chapter, says it’s an exciting time.
“Financially, it’s awesome – any little bit helps our local organization. It’s totally run by fundraising and volunteer hours so having somebody come forward and say look, we want to run this and we want you to benefit from it, it’s priceless,” Hunter said.
She adds that what helps them the most is the Giants’ efforts in raising awareness for the Special Olympics.
“To have people of the calibre of our fastball players come out and help with our softball tournament, to have our athletes there watching the fastball players compete – the level of community awareness, the inclusiveness of this type of competition is just irreplaceable.”
Hunter says the tournament is especially meaningful for the Special Olympics athletes.
“It’s an opportunity for them to aspire to a new level… and it’s a sense of community and a sense of belonging.”
Steve Wallace plays for the Giants, and he says supporting Special Olympics athletes is also meaningful for them.
“You get to be out there playing some good quality ball. But the biggest thing is the smiles that you see on the faces of the athletes out there, and the overall contribution that we can give back to the community is really awesome,” Wallace said.
The tournament will be on June 22nd at the Sportsplex’s Diamond 3. The Campbell River Giants will host the Parksville Red Sox and Longwood Brewers.
Funds raised at the tournament will go to the Campbell River Special Olympics.
