The Tribune

THIS summer, players from PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Baseball Bahamas took part in the Caribbean Zone World Series Qualifying Tournaments, thanks to donations from corporate sponsors like Domino’s Bahamas.

The local franchise contributed $3,000 to the overall costs for 60 players and 12 coaches to make trips to Aruba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for various games. At the tournaments, young players saw how their skills stacked up to regional counterparts as they vied for a spot in the PONY World Series.

Started 14 years ago, PONY Baseball Bahamas continues to be an avenue for players to receive athletic college scholarships and serves as a path to professional sports contracts. Kids learn the fundamentals of baseball in a safe, wholesome and competitive environment focused on teamwork, sportsmanship and community service.

Worldwide sports programme attracts more than 500,000 junior athletes from some 35 countries.

“At the core, the PONY Baseball programme represents positive team play and allows our young athletes to set educational and professional goals while preparing them for life beyond the field,” said Shirlen Godet, Domino’s brand manager. “We were pleased to sponsor the teams and will continue to back youth-focused activities in the future.”

Terran Rodgers, tournament director of the local programme, thanked Domino’s for making the recent trips possible.

“Donating to our programme gives deserving Bahamian baseball players the opportunity to showcase their tremendous talent on a larger stage,” he said.

“We are thankful to Domino’s for their support and appreciate their commitment to youth development.”