The Tribune

ALIV has announced that its partnership with the Freedom Farm Baseball League has officially been extended and launched in Fresh Creek, Andros.

Boys and girls from throughout the community packed the St John's Chrysostom Catholic Church before marching to Queen's Park Baseball for the official launch and scrimmage games held on February 17.

Chief ALIV Officer Damian Blackburn said ALIV is more than delighted as a corporate citizen to have the opportunity to play a small but integral role in the development of baseball within the community.

"Twenty-nine years ago, a great man - Greg Burrows - had a vision. That vision was The Freedom Farm Programme and while ALIV has only been involved in the last year, the reason we chose to get involved as a principle sponsor is because we have witnessed the amazing good Freedom Farm has done in Nassau," Blackburn said.

"There are now over 800 children involved in the programme and from community roots which we believe in very strongly, the league has brought up a great number of players to a larger platform in Major League Baseball. So, I implore you to work hard, train hard and be dedicated and you too can follow in the footsteps of those who came before you."

Freedom Farm Central Andros President Percy Marshal said the presence of Freedom Farm means more than one can imagine when it comes to wholesome activities for students to take part of.

"The island appreciates everything that comes our way given that there aren't much things for kids to do especially the younger ones, they are sometimes very idle," Blackburn said.

"With this in mind, I contacted Mr Burrows and he agreed and made it all possible and again we appreciate everything that they did for us, as well as ALIV for partnering with them."

Freedom Farm is a non-profit baseball club consisting of 42 teams, which focus not only on developing excellent baseball skills, but also on building character, teaching unity through teamwork, and encouraging the pursuit of higher education.

The league has both male and female players between the ages of four and 18 from all over The Bahamas.

ALIV officially launched its services in Andros in October 2017.