When faced with the reality that kids would age out of baseball opportunities in their community, a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Mira Road Rangers to ensure that wouldn’t happen. Volunteers fundraised funds and applied for grants, while many others donated their time, to help rebuild what would become the Glen Moore Memorial Ball Field.
Revitalizing the field meant the organization could support older age group teams, keeping kids playing in their community longer. With their second season almost under wraps, they have grown to 66 players, added a 15U team and a rally cap program which saw 21 kids ages six to nine participate.
“The first year was a success,” said Scott Clements, Executive Member of the Mira Road Rangers Baseball Association. “We were able to field three teams, and one of our 13U teams hosted provincials.”
Before this initiative, seven kids would have aged out of the organization, leaving them with fewer opportunities to continue playing local baseball. Now, it means that players 13 and older can stay involved, with kids from surrounding areas also joining in on competitive play.
Community support was crucial to this initiative. Many parents helped fundraise, athletes pitched in to clean up the field, while others worked behind the scenes to create partnerships with local organizations.
“We were able to secure grants from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality,” said Clements. “As well as Sport Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage to help with the costs of re-building the baseball field.”
The rejuvenation of the ball field has not only seen an increase in the number of kids playing baseball, but it has created excitement surrounding the game. The organizations season was a great success, and they hope to see the addition of a 18U team in the near future.
If your organization is looking to provide sustainable programming within your community,
you can find more information by visiting https://sportnovascotia.ca/funding-programs-and-eligibility/ . If your organization has questions or wants to learn more, contact sportfund@sportnovascotia.ca.
