Despite the snow, there were many ball games played in the Canora Sno-Pitch Tournament on Saturday.
Most of the snow had been cleared off two ball diamonds in preparation for the tournament, explained Kerry Fullawka, who organized the tournament with Devon Sawka. Essentially, it was a slo-pitch tournament but because of the time of year, it was called a Sno-Pitch tournament.
“Playing sno-pitch is something that most in this area have never experienced and it’s a whole different game when it comes to playing,” said Fullawka. “We used specially-ordered balls that were softer and ‘non stinging.’ That way, players would not get hurt by the ball if hit.
“Running the bases was a challenge being the fields were a bit slippery to begin with, but by the afternoon, they were soft and the snow was melting which again added a whole new element to the game.”
There was enough players to organize six teams. The three Canora teams were called: Humdingers, Canora Fire Department and Renegades. The two teams with players from both Canora and Yorkton were Team Ram Rod and The Chive. The Kamsack team was The Whole Gang.
The tournament was played in a double knock-out format, said Fullawka.
“The tournament was a great success. The weather was beautiful and the fields stayed in good shape and the players were having a great time.”
Every team played at least two games and it was The Whole gang that ended up taking first place and winning the $100 top prize.
The Chive won second place and the $50 prize.
“The Chive being the great team that it is, decided that it would donate the winnings back to the charity,” said Fullawka.
In addition to the ball games, the organizers also collected prizes for a silent auction and for raffles. “There were about 50 sponsors from around the area,” he said.
Fullawka and Sawka thanked the Canora Fire Department (mainly Candace Doogan) for doing such a great job running the canteen all day. Sharon Sawka looked after ticket sales for the raffles and silent auction. They also thanked Dallon Leger for helping out when Fullawka and Sawka were busy.
“As for the whole event we raised $4231.65 which is all going to the Hvidston family of Canora,” said Fullawka.
“I personally see this day as a great success. Everything ran very smooth and everyone was having a great time. The cards all seemed to fall in place on Saturday: the weather; the canteen; the games – everything just ran so smooth, it was a real treat to be a part of.”
Fullawka said that everyone who participated seemed to have something good to say about the event.
“One individual said that it was nice to see something happening in mid winter in Canora, and it was for such a great cause that it was hard to imagine not coming to check it out,” said Fullawka. “We were asked if this was going to be an annual event.”
At the moment, Fullawka said that both he and Sawka were unsure if they would be able to put on another event of this kind, “although we had a lot of fun doing it and had some really great people help.”
There were moments of doubt, he said. However, doubts were short lived as others from the community came forward to lend their support.
“We also really appreciated everyone who came out to watch or to have a bite to eat and check out the event. It would have been nice to see a few more people come for the raffle and watch the games, but at the same time, we understand that it was a busy day for people and we are just grateful how many we had come and support this great cause.”
In expressing their gratitude to the players and the fans, Fullawka said: “We are strong believers in events like this. Small towns need to stick together and support each other. That's what makes small communities great places to live in. Events like these really bring people together and make them realize just how strong a small community can be when we all come together for a great cause.”
With the amount of interest expressed after the event, Fullawka said those who were unable to make it to the event can still make donations to the cause.
