Slugger: Jye, 8, belts a ball skyward under the watchful eyes fellow St Thomas Primary School student Jennifer, 7, and softball program mascot Pablo.
By John Van Klaveren
A LOCAL pilot program to encourage juniors into softball could be rolled out across Australia.
Australian Sports Commission regional coordinator Alison Kooloos said the program was aimed at encouraging juniors into physical activity.
She said Softball Australia evaluated the program, held this week at Stead Park for 200 year one and two children from four northern suburbs schools.
“The kids got really active for two hours, experiencing softball in a fun environment,” Ms Kooloos said.
“We had volunteers from Softball Geelong helping out and the kids all took home show bags with certificates of participation as well as an invitation to junior competition starting in school holidays.”
Ms Kooloos said the program involved children in ongoing physical activity they might otherwise have failed to enjoy.
The program was also a boost for softball as 30 parents familiarised themselves with the club environment, she said.
“We uncovered a lot of natural talents. Some of the kids just stood up at the tee and whacked the ball as far as they could.”
Softball Geelong secretary Kristy Linehan said volunteers worked with staff from St Francis Xavier, St Thomas Aquinas, Northern Bay and St Anthony’s Lara primary schools.
“The game was modified but fun and we really hope it helps to build our junior program.
“Softball is a dying sport and the biggest challenge for us is increasing participation.”
