Pearl of Africa 2 To Raise $80,000
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA (May 31, 2013) Commonwealth Games Canada and the Roberto Clemente Foundation in the United States are joining together for the launch of Pearl of Africa Series 2. Pearl of Africa Series 2 will raise $80,000 by September, 2013. Funds will be used to bring Ugandan coaches to Canada for professional training who will return to build Uganda Baseball and Softball Association’s (UBASA) coaching program. The Vancouver Cannons will host two baseball coaches from September 2013 – August 2014. South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association will host two female coaches from January – August 2014. Funds will also be used to support UBASA - for player transportation, field maintenance and videography; to send equipment donated by kids in Canada and by Robertos Kids in the US, and to support the development through sport programs of Commonwealth Games Canada and the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
The Pearl of Africa Series has been about citizenry and many lives have been changed since it began. Following a fundraising juggernaut in 2012, a travel fund was established to fly the Canadian team to Uganda to face the team they should have played in the first round at the 2011 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Team Uganda was the first African team ever to earn the right to compete in the Little League World Series. Due to documentation problems, Team Uganda was unable to obtain their visas to travel to Pennsylvania. Their historic moment was denied. The story attracted international attention when ESPN and ABC aired a short video created by filmmaker Jay Shapiro who had just produced Opposite Field, a documentary on Uganda baseball.
The coverage triggered an outpouring of support from the media and impassioned viewers. With support from around the globe, funds were set up for school scholarships for the Ugandan team, player transportation, and to rehabilitate fields so that children will have safe and accessible places to play for years to come.
Major league ball players Derrek Lee, Jimmy Rollins and ex-Blue Jay Gregg Zaun went to Uganda to coach players leading up to the game that was finally played in Mpigi, Uganda. After seeing the Ugandan kids in action All-Star Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Rollins said, “I’ve seen these kids get in front of balls…there’s no way in the world you could pay me enough money without a helmet and some pads on to stay in front, but this is what they have.”
Roberto Clemente, Jr., son of late MLB Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente has pledged his personal support along with the Roberto Clemente Foundation: “I’m so excited to be a part of this, to be able to give the gift of freedom. This sport is about freedom. It’s about good will, to help open a door, a world of knowledge, to connection and achievement. This is the real deal."
The Vancouver Canadians and area little leagues will host a Pearl of Africa project table at Scotiabank Nat Bailey Stadium for selected games this summer. Canadians General Manager Jason Takefman is quick to get behind the project: “It is a great privilege to support the Pearl of Africa programs. The tireless work of the teams, families and volunteers make our baseball community stronger and teach kids valuable life skills like leadership, accountability, and teamwork.”
Canadians are encouraged to donate to the Pearl of Africa Series 2, click here.
For additional information , interviews and media related inquiries, please contact:
Coordinator, Ruth Hoffman, 778-918-3081, ruthhoffman4400@gmail.com
