News Release

For Immediate Release
July 28, 2006

SYDNEY MINES CONNECTS FOR A HOME RUN WITH ECBC

Sydney Mines, N.S. – The pitch was thrown and the town of Sydney Mines delivered in a big way. The community is gathering to host the 2006 Canadian Senior Little League Championship from August 3-10. The best 15 and 16 year old baseball players on teams representing British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes and the host Sydney Mines Ramblers will compete for the right to represent Canada at the 2006 Senior Little League World Series in Bangor, Maine.

The 2006 Canadian Senior Little League Championship Association has been preparing for two years for this prestigious event. Entertainment has been arranged for the entire week and The Nicole Meaney Memorial Ball Field in Sydney Mines was renovated and new lighting fixtures were installed for night games.

The Government of Canada is investing $92,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund toward the $103,500 to construct a multi-purpose building and permanent grandstand for the revitalized ball field. Funding was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA.

“The Sydney Mines area is famous for hospitality,” said Minister Peter MacKay. “The Government of Canada is proud to help the community with the facilities for them to host the 2006 Canadian Senior Little League Championships and other events.”

“The funding will provide the young people of the community with a venue where they can play competitive baseball at a high level,” said David Iannetti, Fundraising Chairman of the Association. “This tournament represents a tremendous experience for all participants and they will all go back home talking about Cape Breton.”

The 2006 Canadian Senior Little League Championship Association was created to host an 8 day senior baseball little league championship in August 2006 at The Nicole Meaney Memorial Ball Field in Sydney Mines. This is the first National Tournament hosted by the community. Sydney Mines is known for hosting many successful Atlantic and Provincial Baseball Championships in the past.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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For Additional Information Contact:

David Iannetti
Fundraising Chairman
2006 Canadian Senior Little League Championship Assoc.
Tel: 902-794-4784

Jennifer Crocker
ECBC
Communications
Tel: 902-564-3917