Despite warm weather conditions the 11th Annual Sherry Pawa Kaila and
Friends Memorial Softball Tournament was an overwhelming success. Myself and
Link Editor Paul Dhillon ventured under the bright hot sun last weekend to
catch some fine softball skills and rays at Riverway Park in Burnaby.
Looking back at this years Link Diversity Question: What have you done or
could you do to include someone into your culture or community organization?
Reflecting back in the stands with a hot dog and a soda, sporting events are
a terrific way to include people into your culture. All teams are co-ed with
men and women participants and carry a multicultural mix on the diamond
including a variety of levels. This tournament attracts hundreds of
participants and spectators from across the province remembering Sherry and
the traffic accident that claimed two lives and injured many on August 1997
in Seattle. Having participated four years ago and a baseball mitten that is
relativity new, I couldn't think of a better way to remember the victims,
raise money for charity and have fun all during a weekend family outing.
Sherry's older sister Lali Pawa shared these words, "On August,8,1997 a car
accident took the life of a young and beautiful woman, named Sherry Pawa
Kaila. She was a loving wife, a special daughter and an amazing friend who
touched the lives of many people. In her memory, family and friends have
organized a softball tournament for the last 10 years". " A softball
tournament was chosen because it was viewed as an event that would allow for
family and friends to come together and participate in a co-ed game. All the
money raised from the tournaments has been sent to the BC CHILDREN'S
HOSPITAL and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver", said Pawa.
The first tournament held 11 years ago had 14 teams and raised $5,000
dollars. Each consecutive year since the tournament has grown to 40 teams
raising over $150,000. This year, there were 18 teams participating with all
proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver and the total
dollar figures are still being calculated.
When we talk about some of the great Indo Canadian charitable causes and
social events that take place in British Columbia this has to rank as one of
them. Having organized many tennis tournaments, I know the commitment and
energy it takes to run an event of this magnitude. Supposedly, organizers
meet several months prior putting endless hours to discuss and plan this
event. Everyone involved on and off the field including sponsors should feel
proud of their generosity over the last 11 years assisting many unfortunate
people.
Sporting events are a terrific way to share culture. The recent Euro 2008
soccer tournament is a great example and the many countries who bring their
spirit and culture to the game. The upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games in
Vancouver will be another example how we can learn and share culture with
people from around the globe.
According to Pawa their will be a 12 Annual tourney and hopefully more in
the future.
KenHerar@gmail.com
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