The first softball tournament of the season took place at the Barriere Ball Park last weekend The District of Barriere rented the ball fields out for the weekend to the hosting team, the ‘Dirty Diamonds’ from Kamloops.
When asked how it was that this mixed slow-pitch tournament was played in Barriere, one of the organizers, Denny Higginbottom explained the process.
“Members of our team wanted to have a spring tournament. As a result myself, my girlfriend Tawny Fortier, and Mason Stanley began planning it,” said Higginbottom, “We put the word out to players anywhere in the vicinity of Kamloops, and in about three weeks had participants lined up all the way from Williams Lake to Vernon, and even from the Lower Mainland. We found enough players to form seven teams. Then we just needed a location to hold the event.”
Mason Stanley is from Barriere, and his parents reside in the community. Stanley’s Dad is Glen Stanley who served three terms as a councilor for the District of Barriere and also served many years as president of the Barriere ball club. He knew how to go about renting part of the ballparks in Barriere for the event, and in short order everything was worked out and the tournament was a go.
Higginbottom stated that without the assistance of the Stanley family the tournament would not have happened.
“We want to thank them for their great support, and for making us welcome in Barriere; the fields were in good condition and Glen kept them groomed during the games,” said Higginbottom.
Mason Stanley commented, “Everything worked out well. The players and their families enjoyed their visit in my hometown. Maybe Barriere will host a tournament with a team of its own in the future?”