The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHEN coach Stephen ‘Bishop’ Beneby started the girls’ softball league at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau, he never envisioned the growth and success that they have received.

The league, now into its third year, has increased to a total of nine teams, made up of an average of 15 players each. It’s taking on such a rapid rate of success that Beneby has had to seek some financial assistance to accommodate the amount of players involved.

On Wednesday, Graham Real Estate answered the call, making a huge donation to the league.

“Some of the girls are from the inner-city and we want to include everybody. Even though we are charging the girls $100 each, which includes insurance, uniforms, etc, some of the girls are finding it difficult to come up with those funds,” Beneby said.

“So what we have done, along with parents like (Linda) Eldon, we are soliciting some help.

“Graham Real Estate has decided that they would like to come on board and assist. So on behalf of JBLN softball, I would like to thank Laura (Kimble) for the presentation.”

Kimble, estate agent, and Eldon, property/accounts manager at Graham Real Estate, made a cheque presentation to Beneby.

“We really support the youth, especially with productive activities like sports, which is designed for health and recreation,” Kimble said.

“We are already involved in other recreational activities in the country like kids’ sailing. Graham Real Estate is keen on doing things in the community and we re encouraging other companies to get involved.”

Beneby said they are appreciative of Graham Real Estate’s commitment as their ultimate motive in forming the league is to assist the girls in getting athletic scholarships.

Last year, they had three more players who went off to school and they are doing extremely well.

The girls’ softball league at JBLN at the St Andrew’s School Field of Dreams is scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 28.

Any companies wishing to get involved in the programme as a sponsor are urged to contact Charles Kemp, president of JBLN.