By BARBARA WALKIN
Senior FN Reporter
barbara@nasguard.com
For years now the doors of the Susan J. Wallace Teen Centre on Columbus Drive have been opened to youngsters in that community offering developmental programs free of charge.
As time passed the Centre needs have grown and this weekend, Friday, November 13-15, executives of the Grand Bahama Amateur Softball Association (GBASA) will host a co-ed and men's slow-pitch tournament to help fund the various programs at the Centre.
Kirk "Spaghetti" Tynes, tournament director said that 10 teams will compete in the GBASA Invitational Slow-pitch Tournament set to begin at 7:00 p.m. tonight on the diamond at St. Paul's College Playing Field.
"Right now we have four teams in the co-ed and six in the men's slow-pitch," he added. "This is a co-ed as well as men's slow-pitch event."
He explained that the co-ed division will play a round-robin format and the men will play a divisional round-robin. Teams will cross over in the play-offs, added Tynes.
"Over the weekend we are looking at playing some 20 games," Tynes noted. Questioned about whether all of the games will get in, Tynes said, "we have them scheduled and as long as there is no rain, we will get them in."
The championships will start on Saturday evening at 9:00 p.m. and finish on Sunday afternoon, beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Tynes says he expects a very competitive tournament, particularly from the teams listed. In the co-ed division are the GB Port Authority, West End Blue Marlins, Cooper's Destroyers and Coca-Cola Stars.
In the men's Division 'A' are the Tener's Eleutherans, Taylors' Express and Local Government; and in the men's Division 'B' are the Sawyer's Pacesetters, West-ern All Stars and A.G. Co.
"I am glad to see Local Government competing, so I believe it will be a battle for the title," added Tynes.
Hansel Collie, president of the GBASA noted that the executives were so impressed with the fan support at the park this year, "we decided to give back to the community."
He said that in making that decision, executives had to select a organization that they thought needed assistance. "And with the Susan J. Wallace catering to young people in the community, offering a number programs free of charge the decision was unanimous."
Collie said the executives went down to the Centre, took a look at the facilities and saw the work they were doing with the young kids. "We knew that we made the right decision."
He noted that part proceeds from this tournament will go toward assisting with its operational budget at the Centre. "The GBASA is all about the development of young people, and all I've seen around the Susan J. Wallace are young people and programs for their development whether it is arts and craft, computer or sewing it is provided for them free of charge.
(Continued on Page 24)
"So we are going to try make some money this weekend to give back to that charity," said Collie.
Administrator for the city of Freeport District, Don Cornish said that the District Council is a part of the administration for this city's affairs. "And so I am here to support the effort by the GBASA and the District Council to assist the programs that they have at the Susan J. Wallace Teen Centre, which is a part of the responsibility of the Council."
He noted that this is a difficult financial year for the Council, "so they are very happy that there is a community partner that is interested in assisting them in raising funds to outset some of the programs cost at the Centre."
Cornish said that one of the things that he's observed is that sports is a good way of getting people excited and of bringing community initiatives together.
"They have asked me to play softball this weekend ... that is something I haven't done that since 1995, but I will do what I must and if I get on base there will be trouble, because I would want to get to home plate and score."
Cornish also said that he may hit a home run or two.
William Martinbourogh, councillor for Pineridge with responsibilities for the Susan J. Wallace Teen Centre said that this tournament is very important to the Centre.
"Having to oversee the operations of the Centre, I know that much assistance needed and its especially gratifying to see the GBASA, who would have made use of the facilities giving back to the Centre," added Martinbourogh.
"So I am grateful to the GBASA executives and I invite the Grand Bahama community to come out this weekend, watch some softball and support the Teen Centre."
Asked whether he will be on the diamond this weekend, Martinbourogh said, "I'm in the starting line-up!"
