INNISFAIL – They needed snow and Mother Nature cooperated.
The Innisfail 590 Slo-pitch League held its annual sno-pitch tournament at the ball diamonds behind the Innisfail Aquatic Centre on Feb. 10 and 11.
"We got a wicked dump of snow this week so it's all the better,” said Kenny Haag, league president. "It's gorgeous today. It was cold all week and minus 40 yesterday (with wind chill) and today (Saturday) it's minus 10 with the sun shining. We can't complain."
The two-day outdoor event welcomed players from Red Deer, Olds and Innisfail, noted Haag, adding a total of eight teams signed up for this year’s tournament.
"The turnout is fantastic. Everybody loves playing here," he said.
Each year the tournament raises funds for a local charity. This year a portion of the proceeds are going to help the Aubuchon family from Innisfail. Their nine-year-old daughter Brooke passed away last fall from Batten disease.
"That family has a special place in my heart,” said Kristen Spatz, vice-president and one of the participants in this year’s tournament. She said the tourney raised about $2,000 for the Aubuchon family.
"Every little bit helps. It was a tough year for them,” she added.
In addition to registration fees, the annual tournament holds raffle draws to help raise needed funds. Dozens of items were donated again this year, including gift certificates, cash prizes, gift baskets and more.
Haag said it was great to see local businesses and organizations step up to help the fundraising tournament and noted the support it received from the community and the town.
"We have tons of donations this year. About 20 to 30 businesses donated (to the raffle draws) and we also have a 50/50 draw too," he said.
"The town always cooperates and they did a great job plowing the area for us. They're really cooperative when it comes to the sno-pitch tournament.”
The Innisfail 590 Slo-pitch League is a mixed, recreational adult league that includes players from Innisfail and area and has about 15 or 16 teams.
Haag said it's good to see such great support for the annual tournament year after year, even in the middle of winter.
"We're making the best of what we get in the wintertime. It's a great fundraiser and we always raise money for a great cause,” said Haag. "We're all having fun and it's always a great turnout.”
Kenny Haag, league president
"It's a great fundraiser and we always raise money for a great cause."
