B.C. Little Leaguer caught in legal red tape

Canadian champions missing key player because of immigration concerns

Canada will be without one of its top players at the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania this week as Dio Gama and his family await a review of immigration status.

The Whalley Major Allstars, based in Surrey, B.C., will be without the 13-year-old outfielder after a federal judge ordered a review of the family’s case last month.

Gama, born in the United States to Mexican parents, has lived in Canada for three years. But the family’s case is complicated in part by a drug-related charge and guilty plea by Dio’s father, Noe, that led to his deportation from the U.S. in 1997 and five years in a Mexican jail.

“The issue is that his lawyers are advising that there’s a chance that they wouldn’t let Dio back into Canada (if he goes south),” Whalley Little League president Gavin Burke said.

Immigration Ministry spokesman Mathieu Genest said that while he could not comment on any specific cases, the office is “aware of the situation and it is currently under review.”

“Our government understands that decisions related to immigration can have a profound impact on individuals’ lives. Our government is committed to ensuring that every situation is assessed based on its merits, in a fair manner and in accordance with Canada’s laws,” Genest added.

The Whalley Allstars tore through the competition at the national championship last week in Quebec, downing Ontario 8-2 in a semifinal and Nova Scotia 11-0 in the final.

Gama was instrumental in the final — which was over after four innings because of the mercy rule — going 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs scored to help give Whalley its sixth national title in program history and first trip to the Little League World Series since 2006.

“They’re very disappointed and they miss the boy,” Burke said of the team. “They’d love to see Dio back with them. He’s part of the team. The kids have been together since the beginning of June ... I would expect that there’s a void.”

Burke said he hadn’t spoken with Gama directly, but he had talked to his father after the two flew back to Vancouver from Quebec.

“From what he says, he’d love to get back to the team if there was a way but he understands that his family wouldn’t permit him to leave the country if there’s a possibility he can’t come back.” Burke said.

Canada begins play at the Little League World Series against Panama on Friday. The event starts on Thursday.

Teams from B.C. have won 13 of the last 14 Canadian Little League titles and 26 overall since the national tournament started in 1958. Whalley is tied for second most championships (six) with Trail, B.C., and Glace Bay, N.S.

A Canadian team never has won the Little League World Series in the U.S.

— The Canadian Press