Softball series played at Power’s Court this month is special in every way
Attached are pictures of the first organized game of Slo Pitch softball in Newfoundland between two teams that were comprised fully of Special Olympics athletes. The game was held on Sunday, June 9 at the Power’s Court Softball field next to Villa Nova Junior High School in Manuels.
The idea for the game arose because last year virtually all of our Special Olympics Softball Players expressed an interest in playing in an organized Special Olympics League. So, at the end of the 2023 season, plans were developed to try to make it happen. The most significant barrier was there was no field time available in CBS on an evening from Monday to Thursday to have two games of Softball.
Prior to the start of the 2024 Softball Season, the executive of the CBS Masters Softball League was approached and asked if they would allow the Special Olympics Softball Program to use the Power’s Court Field on four Sundays in June. Where Sundays is the day that the CBS Masters Softball League uses the field if it has to make up rained out games, we were hopeful they would allow the Special Olympics softball players to use the field for four Sundays and they agreed!
Next, the owner of the field, St. Edward’s Parish, was approached for permission to use the field and they agreed.
ParticipACTION offered grants to increase activity during the month of June so an application was submitted to fund the purchase of some additional gear that would be needed and that was successful.
For the game on Sunday, June 9, some 25 Special Olympics players were divided into two teams – the Red Team and Green Team. The 12 coaching volunteers were also divvied between the two teams. Where we wanted players to learn as much as possible, coaches were allowed to be on the field with the defensive team to show the players where they should position themselves, encourage them and help them know what to do each play.
The game was umpired by Ralph Petten, who is a long-time highly respected player and certified umpire. It started at 4:00 p.m. and in the first inning the Red Team scored a run and held the Green Team scoreless. Over the next four innings, the Green Team scored a few runs each inning and held the Red Team scoreless. At the end of the fifth, the Green Team had taken an 8 – 1 lead. In the top of the Sixth, the Red Team closed the gap by scoring a couple more runs but, in the bottom of the inning, the Green Team blew it open with six runs. The Red Team responded with a six-run inning of their own in the top of the seventh, but it wasn’t enough. The Green Team had won the historic softball game 14 – 9. Players lined up and shook hands and smiles of delight could be seen on the faces of players from both teams.
Altogether, it was a great game and both teams were eagerly looking forward to doing it again on Sunday, June 16. The final two games will be played on Sunday, June 23 and Sunday, June 30.
Eric Hart
Head Coach
Softball Program, CBS Special Olympics