History of Supporting Youth
Donations to benefit LIttle League baseball
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ELKINS - A local fraternal organization has continued its long history of supporting area youth by donating to a pair of Randolph County youth baseball leagues.
John Gilmore, a representative of the Elkins Pilgrim Commandery No. 21 Knights Templar, recently presented a $500 donation to Tygarts Valley Little League Vice President Adam Roth.
A total of 130 kids took part in Tygarts Valley Little League play this season, which featured four Little League teams, four Minor League teams and five Tee Ball teams. The ages of the players ranged from 3 to 12 years old.
There is no charge for kids to participate in the league. Everything is provided for the children through fundraisers or donations.
"We just ask the kids to show up and play," Roth said. "This teaches the kids good sportsmanship and good physical activity."
Justin Thompson, Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No. 21 Knights Templar, and Curtis Elmore, Generalissimo of Pilgrim Commandery No. 21 Knights Templar, recently presented a $500 donation to Elkins Little League President Anthony Severino.
"At Elkins Little League, kids’ ages range from 4 to 12, over five divisions, including Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, Minor League, Major League and a Challenger Division," Severino said.
"This year, we we had 275 kids play on 27 teams across our five divisions. This year, we created our first Challenger Division team, which is for kids with intellectual and physical disabilities, which I’m incredibly proud of!
"We had both of our All-Star teams (9-10 year-old team and the 11-12 year-old team) make it to compete in the state competition," he noted.
Severino also stated that he has been "overwhelmed with the amount of community support our league has received, and the amount of volunteers that step up to make our program successful. If it wasn’t for the community support and volunteers, we would not be able to provide such a great program for our youth.
"I am beyond grateful for everyone that has donated and put forth their time to Elkins Little League," he added. "We are currently working on several projects, which include turfing our bullpen pitching areas, and hope to have two additional covered batting cages by next season."
John Gilmore of the Elkins Pilgrim Commandery No. 21 Knights Templar, second from right, presents a donation to Tygarts Valley Little League Vice President Adam Roth, second from left. Roth’s sons, Gieon and Nolan, took part in the presentation.