The 140 Sports Association was busy making a difference for young softball players and Deltassist.
The non-profit organization ran a pair of clinics over the summer that focused on technical skills and the confidence it takes to step onto the field.
One camp was with the Delta Inferno 2007-08 rep team and the other was for girls who play at the house league level or are new to the sport.
The clinics generated $1,000 for Deltassist’s Christmas Toy Program that will see gift cards given to help Delta families in need during the holiday season.
“I thought it was really great to get the girls out and have fun with the skills camps while also incorporating mental toughness skills,” explained 1040 instructor Nicole Salas, who came up with the idea to also fundraise for Deltassist. “So many young athletes deal with pressures that arise from sports so instilling these skills at a young age we believe is very beneficial.
“As well, the house program was unable to have a season this year due to COVID-19, so putting on these camps was a good way to keep the girls interested and involved in the softball community.”
Salas came through Delta’s rep program and currently plays for the UBC women’s softball team. Her teammates include another 1040 staff member Olivia Malesku.
“There were confidence boosting activities such as making hair bows that were decorated with words that gave them confidence” and “because they are just starting softball, there were many new friendships created through the sport,” said Malesku.
The 1040 Sports Association was launched to teach youth that are actively involved in sport about transferable skills that can help them both on and off the field. It strives to help them build strong skill sets in emotional and mental areas of their life.
The organization is hosting “Calling the Fathers” virtual seminar on Nov. 21 that will include 1040 founder Fred Wells and Andrew Neufeld, a registered counsellor from Alongside You. They will discuss the roles fathers play in their children’s lives.
For more information visit the event’s website.
