August 5, 2016 - Camp Alliwannado, a summer day camp for children ages 4-12 had an amazing opportunity of a lifetime they will never forget, the result of a brilliant idea of summer camp owner, operator and leader Annie Rowland.  With the U21 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship Event happening in Tavistock, Ontario, Annie organized a few days of meet and greet, playing some organized ball activities and an opportunity for the campers to develop friendships and make unique connections with the players from some of the 13 teams playing in the U21 Men's Fastpitch Championships.  

 

"Peanuts and Crackerjack” the theme of this week “was a way to involve our campers in the excitement of the great fastball that was coming to Tavistock”, says Annie Rowland, Owner/Director.

 

There was an incredible response from teams who were eager to meet the campers and play some ball with them.   Four teams stopped by to play; Host Team Tavistock Aberfoyle Snomobile Junior Athletics, Saskatchewan Conquest Jr. Coyotes, Stratford ANAF Cubs and New Hamburg Expressway Ford/TLC Pet Food Mustangs.

 

“Any time you see a young adult get down on his knees to play a game of catch with a four-year-old it is pretty special”, says Rowland.  “I didn’t realize how big these moments would be for our campers — these players are heroes!”

 

Whenever the campers would see the Tavistock team walking by at Queen’s Park before or after a game, all 45 campers would run up to give some high-fives and words of encouragement. This game is so much more to these campers than a score or statistic - it becomes about improvement, confidence, and friendship. 

 

With the U21 Canadian Men's fastpitch championship being in Tavistock, many lives have been enriched not only by the games that fans have been able to watch, but also the way in which the town has truly rallied together to support some incredible fastball, some of the very best in the country!  Kevin Zehr, (the initial Mastermind behind the scenes in putting in a bid for the opportunity to be held in Tavistock), and Host Co-Chair Kyle Smith had no idea the magnitude or depth that the games would have on so many people, from the very young, right through to the very old!   (It was not uncommon to see residents from local Seniors Homes come out to the games).   

 

Kudos to ALL the players, for providing so much inspiration, entertainment, and incredible fastball.  You have made many people, young and old very proud showing incredible talent, skill and sportsmanship, it is no wonder the players have so many new followers, and admirers from Camp Alliwannado.  

 

U21 Canadian Men's Fastpitch Championship runs until Sunday, August, 7^th when the finals take place with the medal games.

 

Camp Alliwanado summer camp was founded in 2014 and runs until August 26^th.   To find out more including registration information go online to www.campalliwannado.com.

 

Special mention goes out to our All Star sponsors Space at Hand, Saputo, and Expressway Motors. 

 

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Picture attached (Pic2)  — Campers: Chase Dietrich, Athena Weikmann, Saskatchewan Conquest Jr. Coyotes player – Ryan Larocque and Campers: Hudson Leis, Mason Beu

Picture attached (Pic4) – Stratford Cubs players with the kids at Camp Alliwannado

Picture attached (image5)  - Stratford Cubs player: Nick Walls, Camper: Isabella Paola 

 

 

For more information contact

Pam Zehr

519-588-8415

pamz@weedenenvironments.com