By Sarah Borkowski (JMU Writer, Class of 2022) Youth sports are essential in the development of a child’s self-esteem, on-going physical activity, and mental health. Unfortunately, a large roadblock for family’s participation in youth sports are the high registration and equipment fees. According to a newsletter published in 2020 by American Swimming Coaches Association, the average American family with children ages 8-18 who play organized sports will spend more than $4,000 on baseball or softball annually. The Harrisonburg Little League Association has been a prominent youth sports organization in the community since the year 2000. President Deal Warlitner and parent/volunteer coach Jared Dull have been working to combat this ongoing issue through the efforts of the (Tony) Montavon Scholarship fund and the Pitch In Program. “Tony was one of our dedicated volunteers prior to 2013,” said Warlitner. “He was in a car accident and passed away, so we dedicated [the scholarship fund] to him.” Although the HLLA has the lowest registration fee in the community starting at $25, each season there are around 35-40 children that need assistance in paying. The Montavon Scholarship fund was set up to help cover anyone who needs it. Several local Harrisonburg businesses and members of the HLLA contribute monetary donations each year in support. Besides the monetary help, HLLA also helps families who cannot afford baseball or softball equipment. Dull was able to give the Pitch In Program a name and it started around 4-5 years ago. The Pitch In program is set up for anyone to donate gently use baseball or softball equipment so it can be given to anyone who needs it. The Pitch In boxes have been set up at registrations, skills evaluations, and practices for someone who is interested in donated. Dull also said HLLA members can give old equipment directly to him.
“I want to eliminate any reason why a little kid can’t play for us whether it be money, equipment, or rides,” said Dull. “They just have to ask. Anywhere we are, we have Pitch In.” Both Warlitner and Dull have talked to members of the community and parents at every single event they hold to promote the programs. This is to ensure that everyone knows that there is help in the areas where the need it and to encourage the community that every child gets to play America’s favorite sport. The benefit of both the Montavon Scholarship fund and the Pitch In Program is not just for the people that needs it, it’s for everybody. “We say no to no one,” said Warlitner. “Everyone gets to play little league.” To obtain a form to contribute or receive benefits, members are encouraged to talk to Warlitner directly ([email protected]) or check more information on hlla.org
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DisclaimerHLLA Story is an official blog site of the Harrisonburg Little League Association. All content is managed by Bluestone Communications, a student-run public relations agency at James Madison University. Please contact Isaac Woo ([email protected]), faculty director of Bluestone Communications, if you have any questions about the blog or the stories. Archives
April 2021
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