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OGSA working with other associations to promote softball Oakville Girls Softball Association (OGSA) president Nick Koutlemanis doesn't like to see diminished interest in the sport at the high school level (story, page 44), but he doesn't believe it necessarily indicates trouble at the community level. "We watch... how many of them want to commit to (high school) softball," he says. "Associations watch that. But we just try to make things as pleasant as possible for our girls and try to make them want to come back." Koutlemanis concedes registration numbers at the OGSA aren't as high as they were 10 years ago, but he says registration has been fairly consistent for the past several seasons. The OGSA also appears to be by far the healthiest softball association in Halton, featuring rep, select and house league levels. Burlington, Milton and Georgetown do not offer rep softball. But Koutlemanis doesn't take any solace in that. Rather, he feels that makes it more important for the region's associations to work together. "We see the numbers are down, and that's why we're doing interlock (house league)," he says. "Everyone's size is a lot smaller now, and we can't field four to six teams per division anymore. "We're working together throughout Halton more than ever before. If we can help each other with house league to make it more fun for the girls, they'll continue to stay and play the game." Koutlemanis says other OSGA initiatives, like having former players serve as coaches or umpires, has also helped maintain interest in the sport at the community level. "We as an association find things stronger now than years ago," he adds. "The numbers might not always show it, but it could take a few years to build that back up." -- Jon Kuiperij 45 · Friday, May 4, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com SUBMITTED PHOTO PLAY BALL: Night games at Cornwall Park are just one of several things the Oakville Little League is excited about this upcoming season. Oakville Little League ready to start season this weekend Oakville Little League (OLL) will start the 2012 season tomorrow (Saturday) with Opening Day at its headquarter facilities at Cornwall Park. A full day of action is scheduled, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and running throughout the day on both diamonds at Cornwall Park. This year's OLL campaign will feature more than 100 teams across nine divisions, from Blast Ball to Big League. In addition to its house league programs, OLL also features a competitive All-Star program where teams set goals of qualifying for the Little League World Series. This season, OLL will also celebrate the first-ever night games at Cornwall Park. Lights on both the east and west diamonds were installed last September as part of a three-way partnership. The league will have a special field lighting ceremony prior to the first night games at Cornwall, scheduled for May 22. "This will be a special night for all members of the league and their families," said OLL president John Sweeney. "We want everyone to come down to the diamond and experience a great evening of baseball under the lights." The league is entering its second season of the Challenger Division, in conjunction with Autism Ontario. Last year, OLL began the division to allow autistic children to play baseball. The league expects this year's division to feature as many as 70 participants this season, up from 45 a year ago. Another special event OLL will host this season will be the 14th annual Adam Fedoruk CAN/AM Memorial Tournament, slated for Aug. 10-12. The tournament is held in memory of former OLL player Adam Fedoruk, who passed away in a 1998 house fire along with sister Amanda, mother Lynn and visiting relative Bonnie. Get off the streets & into Friday night youth drop-in programs www.ymcaofoakville.com ANNUAL 5TH Charity Golf Classic Friday June 22nd Foursome - $799 inc. Golf, Cart, Lunch & Dinner Oakville Civitan 1:30pm Shot Gun Start at Pipers Health Golf Club Foursome and Hole $ 798 #076863 QUEEN MATTRESS MATTRESS Sponsor Package - $999 $ SAVE POCKET COIL, FOAM ENCASED, MEMORY FOAM LAYER! #904765 AND BLU-RAY P PLAYER! FREE TV TV FREE PLUS 300 32" HD In support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation's CAPIS Unit www.oakvillecivitan.ca Email: Chris.Smith@td.com