head coach Landon Schneider
Many of Canada’s top youth baseball players will be in Fort Macleod this summer for a pair of tournaments.
The Fort Macleod Junior Royals will host the U16 Western Canadian Regionals and the Canadian Little League Senior Championship.
“This event will provide a significant opportunity to showcase our community while supporting local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and tourism,” Fort Macleod Junior Royals head coach Landon Schneider noted.
Fort Macleod council agreed to support the organizes last week with $1,000 donation.
The funding request came to council’s May 25 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
Schneider explained in a letter to council the U16 Western Canadian Regionals will take place from July 19-26 at Westwinds Stadium in Fort Macleod.
That will be followed by the Canadian Little League Senior Championship from July 26 to Aug. 2.
The championship will feature the western and eastern regional champions in a best-of-three series.
Schneider told council each tournament will attract eight to 10 teams, including players, coaches and families over the two-week period.
“Hosting events of this scale requires considerable planning and resources,” Schneider said. “Any financial contribution from the town would greatly assist in making these events successful for the athletes, families and visitors attending.”
Donors will be recognized in the tournament program and on event signage at Westwinds.
“We appreciate the Town of Fort Macleod’s continued support of youth sports and community events,” Schneider added. “The Junior Royals are proud to represent our region and provide local athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level while bringing visitors and economic activity into our community.”
The Junior Royals roster is made up of 16 players from Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Stavely, the MD of Willow Creek, Pincher Creek, Sparwood, Stand Off and Vulcan.
Director of community and protective services Liisa Gillingham told council the Junior Royals are paying to host the tournament.
“Right off the hop they are starting in a deficit,” Gillingham said.
Council learned there is about $2,900 in its donation, gifts and community events account.
“This is a big event,” Mayor Brent Feyter said.
Council approved the $1,000 donation.
