Sports
Gulfport Little League "in Desperate Need" of Sponsors
The Gulfport Little League is ramping up its outreach efforts as the organization needs funds in order to pay for bats, balls, gloves and other equipment for both the current season, and the winter session.
The Gulfport Little League boasts some 142 players on 11 different teams for boys and girls, baseball and softball, on various levels and various leagues.
Those that work in the city's Little League organization boast that no young man or woman will be turned away because they cannot afford to play. That doesn't mean the Gulfport Little League is an open ATM either.
As a result, executives of the organization are ramping up their outreach efforts in order to find sponsors to help purchase equipment and, for their winter leagues, sponsor teams.
"Right now we're in the summer session and all the teams are sponsored at this moment," said Sharon Ingram, the fundraising director for the Gulfport Little League. "But we are in desperate need for help with equipment and in the winter, sponsors for equipment and team sponsors."
In short, the kids cannot play Little League without bats and balls.
"We also need to buy gloves and catcher's equipment," Ingram said.
Some youngerster's families can afford to buy their young Albert Pujols or Jennie Finch a glove. That's not the case for all players and that is why the Gulfport Little League is looking for help.
"We're trying to do some outreach," Ingram said. "We're trying to reach out to the community."
Part of that was at Springfest when Gulfport Little League representatives and players were selling Gulfport Little League stickers for $1 each.
"Anyone can donate any amount," Ingram said. "We're not greedy."
Ingram explained how Little League is not just for kids, but enhances a community.
"Little League is very important," Ingram said. "It teaches our kids to be good teammates and how to respect others. It teaches them responsibility. It keeps them off the street. It gives them something to do, it's exercise for them. It is very important."
Those interested in donating monies to help buy equipment or to sponsor a team for the winter session may call Ingram at (727) 557-6349 or Gulfport Little League president John Harker at (727) 482-6787.