Preparations are beginning for what promises to be a very exciting softball season in Abbotsford.
The Abbotsford Minor Fastball Association, coming off a successful 2011 campaign with many teams winning provincial medals, is hosting registration at Matsqui Recreation Centre. The sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 21, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 18. There will also be a session on Feb. 11 at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre (time to be determined). Players can also be registered online at www.amfa.ca.
Abbotsford is also gearing up to host the Western Canadian Senior B Championships at Exhibition Park, Aug. 16-19. It’s the first time since the late 1980s that Abbotsford has hosted a fastpitch tourney of this calibre, and it will bring together 16 teams (eight men’s, eight women’s) from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Two local teams will receive host berths.
“This is exciting news for the softball community, young and old,” said organizer Harv Wiens. “We want to showcase our game – it has taken a hit over the past few years and it is time that we get excited about it again.”
To volunteer or sponsor the event, email westerns2012@gmail.com.