Bay association to host softball open day
In a drive to revive softball in schools, the Nelson Mandela Bay Softball Association will host a softball Open Day as an introduction to the sport on Saturday.
The programme will take place at the Gelvan Grounds next to the astroturf from 10am to noon.
Claudia Charles, the schools development officer, said the programme started last year with Chapman High, Gelvandale High, and Woolhope High.
“This year we have started holding coaching clinics at St Thomas and other primary schools,” Charles said.
“The programme is open to all schools around the Bay.
“If a school would like to be part of the programme they can just give us the number of interested learners so that we can plan and have enough caching staff to assist. We would like to take the initiative to the township schools.”
Charles said children’s villages and communities could also join.
“The sport died out due to various reasons and sports in general at schools have not been a priority from the department of education side, but learners need sports to develop, and softball and baseball are just some of the options.
“The programme aims to give a spotlight to the sport and to re-energise the sport.
“Kids as young as three years old are welcome to join.
“We have different segments of the league so we split the players into their age groups and work them according to their skill levels.
“We have been trying to do a schools league but we had challenges due to lack of transport, but we’d like to give it a try again this year. From the open day, we plan to have clinics every second week at the various schools.”
Woolhope High School pupil-support agent Stacey Da Rocha, who is also the softball coach, said the pupils had benefited immensely since taking part in the programme.
“Softball involves running, throwing and catching, which helps improve cardiovascular endurance, strength and co-ordination.
“Softball is a team sport and it also helps learners with social skills, discipline, time management and leadership skills.
“The sport also helps to relieve stress and is good for learners’ mental wellbeing.”