Altona’s softball dreams take shape
A vision cast in the fall of 2023 became a reality last week as the Altona Angels Softball Club officially opened their brand new diamond at École West Park School.
Club president Derek explained how the idea began with the organization’s executive members two years ago.
“At that point, we were kind of striking the vision of what could become our new facilities and what we actually wish that we had,” he said. “We got a committee together and we started to itemize things into how much it would cost so that we can start getting a campaign together to ask donations from various local businesses.”
A 50/50 draw was added to the club’s fundraising toolkit and proved to be quite popular.
“It was highly successful. We’re actually going to do another 50/50 campaign. Start date will be within the season here,” Sawatzky shared. “The plan is that we’ll be drawing the final winner on the Sunflower Festival weekend.”
Sawatzky praised the support they’ve received from the community for local softball.
“The businesses are very welcoming, and the community stepped up in a big way. There’s a huge amount of support, whether it’s financial, whether it’s volunteer-based. Our parent community is huge to come out and rake diamonds, keep things clean and tidy so that they can be reused the next day and the next day.”
Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder was also at the field on opening day, watching as the players took to the diamond for the first time.
“This community has pride of place. People come into our community and are always amazed at how well-maintained everything is,” he said. “Clearly, there’s passion in this community—an identity that says we want things to be done well and we’re willing to put in the work.”
The diamond was built on school property, which required some coordination with the Border Land School Division.
“They’ve been an excellent partner,” said Sawatzky. “Altona has a great partnership between the rec. department and the school division to run programming throughout the school year and summer months. Border Land was willing to allow that property to be developed as we hoped and as we dreamt.”
When the girls finally stepped onto the new diamond for the first time, their excitement was palpable.
“Tuesday was an awesome day for Altona, an awesome day for our girls to just feel that pride,” said Sawatzky. “This is a real quality diamond. It’s upgraded from a partial grass infield to actually feel and look like a softball diamond ought to.
“It really adds to their confidence too, when you have that pride. You have a real professional place to play. It definitely enhances the experience. Our girls definitely—they’re worth it.”
With the first major project complete, the club is continuing with its Dollars for Diamonds campaign. Their $250,000 fundraising goal will support future upgrades such as covered dugouts.
“It might be drizzling and raining, and it would be good to keep our equipment and our kids dry in between innings,” said Sawatzky. “Also, we know that it’s hot outside, so we want to make sure that a covered diamond helps the girls stay cool.”
Bleachers are also part of the next phase.
“[It’s] for our fans to not have to bring a lawn chair. You’re biking by in the evening and you want to take five minutes to catch a ballgame. Now there’s a spot for you.”
The Altona Angels program has grown significantly over the past few years. With 117 players registered this season, Sawatzky is confident the future is bright.
“Those U7s eventually become our travel ball girls. When kids see their cousins, siblings, or friends playing on those diamonds, they start to identify and say, ‘Hey, I want to do that too one day.’”
The club also places a strong focus on skill development and coaching.
“We’ve got lots of great coaches. What we’re starting to see is more athletes return after their playing days to coach in the organization,” said Sawatzky. “The girls look up to them. A coach is a really critical person in the life of athletes.”
Clinics in pitching, batting, and catching are helping improve performance—and keeping girls in the game.
“They feel like, hey, we win some games, we lose some games, and I’m having fun,” Sawatzky said. “Kids want to find success in getting better at batting, pitching, or playing certain positions. It drives them to come back.”
Sawatzky, who has been with the organization for four years, says the new diamond is just the beginning.
“What makes me the most joyful is when I see the kid who’s striking out all the time start to connect. When the kid who’s struggling starts to throw with accuracy. Seeing that development—that’s what drives me forward.”
To learn more or to contribute to the campaign, visit altonasoftball.ca.
