Local Little League recently hit the links to raise funds.
The Cayman Islands Little League was the beneficiary of the Rolex 2011 Cayman Golf Classic. The North Sound Golf Club hosted 80 golfers spread out over 20 teams last Friday. The event, in its 12th year, saw an immediate sell-out by corporate sponsors.
Little League President Paul Gallagher states the tournament was all about improving the sport here.
“When I first volunteered to be a part of baseball, I had no idea the depth and breadth of the support there is for this programme,” Gallagher said. “Folks who have been involved for twenty years and parents of five year-olds who will soon be teeing off (with T-Ball) were there to play.
“It was a great day of golf. Kirk Freeport and Rolex deserve a ton of credit for sponsoring a terrific event. We look to utilize the funds raised to continue our efforts for all kids 5-18 and show baseball can be a solid choice for youngsters to be part of a team, learn a great game and sportsmanship.”
The golf tournament used a four man scramble format with mulligans available. Dinner was provided and all players received a goodie bag. A number of prizes were handed out on the day. David Butler of team PWC was the random prize draw winner of a Rolex watch. Jerry Beck earned a stainless steel Rolex for being closest to the pin on the ninth hole.
Three people won a Waterford Crystal trophy and a $200 Kirk Freeport gift certificate for a variety of feats. Tom Crawford was closest to the pin on the fifth hole, Matthew Wight was the man with the longest drive of the day while Emily Ribbins, the youngest competitor, had the longest drive for the ladies.
On the team side of things, first place went to the KM Ltd team of Brent McComb, Charlie O’Neil, Mike Stevens and Richard Sanfilippo. It’s fitting that McComb would win as he greatly involved in Little League through coaching, his kids participating and playing co-ed softball. Second place went to the Appleby side of Norm Klein, Fiona Crellin, James Lewis and Connan Hill while the third spot went to the Kirk Freeport squad of Chris Kirkconnell, Jerry Beck, Phillip Wight and Michael Wight. NCB, made up of Matthew Wight, Alan Wight, Naul Bodden and Danny Scott, were the low gross winners.
Little League fundraising coordinator Sara Mackay was present during the tournament and states it serves a vital role for the sport.
“We are so appreciative of all the corporations that support Little League,” Mackay said. “Thanks go as well to the golfers and especially Kirk Freeport and the Kirkconnell family for their long support of Little League. To hear event coordinator Chris Kirkconnell, who still plays in our adult co-ed league and who did so much of work pulling this event together, talk about giving back was inspiring. People like Chris make the kids who worked the event last year be eager to help us again. It’s what it’s all about.
“I also want to thank the North Sound Golf Club for serving as venue.”
Little League is currently in its offseason. The new youth programme and co-ed softball league get going in January. For more information e-mail [email protected]
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