It is about more than just baseball.
鈥淚t helps these kids immensely,鈥� said Natalie Lutz, of the Boys and Girls Club of B.C.
鈥淚t helps their self esteem, their self confidence.
鈥淎nd not only does it help them psychologically, it helps them physically: it keeps them active and running around.鈥�
Lutz was referring to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) League which earlier this month, kicked off its second season.
Through the initiative, more than 300 children from around the Lower Mainland got the chance to run the bases and play baseball at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.
The program began July 9 and runs through August.
Last year, there were 154 spots made available to Boys and Girls Clubs and this year, that number increased to 205.
鈥淲e had no problem filling those, it was done within two weeks,鈥� Lutz said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 simple, every child should have the opportunity to play team sports,鈥� said Jake Kerr, the co-chairman of the VCBF.
鈥淭eam sports such as baseball teach kids invaluable life lessons 鈥� how to win, how to lose, the importance of staying active 鈥� and they build self-confidence.
鈥淲e believe no child should be denied this experience because of reasons outside their control.鈥�
