In pre-COVID times, the Innisfil Minor Baseball Association would recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteer coaches and umpires in a special award ceremony.
This year, with restrictions still in play, the Town of Innisfil decided to pay special tribute to the IMBA volunteers in an awards presentation at the ball diamond outside the Innisfil Recreation Centre on Friday evening.
"You really appreciate something when you didn't have it the year before," said IMBA President Brent Fellman, noting the lost 2020 season due to COVID-19. "It was great coming back and seeing everyone cheering and the kids having fun."
The league was able to go ahead this season as part of Baseball Ontario's "Right to Play" with proper COVID guidelines and protocols.
This year saw some hesitation of players returning to the diamond, but for the most part, many were happy to get back out to play ball.
"I just want to thank the executive and all of you for helping us through the last 18 months, I know that it hasn't been easy...but all of you have helped with children's mental health by volunteering your time," said Mayor Dollin. "We really appreciate it. The fact that we have such amazing volunteers here in the town just warms my heart."
MP John Brassard thanked the executive and parents for their efforts in executing a successful season and congratulated all the award winners.
"Two billion hours in this country are spent volunteering which is the equivalent of one million employees," noted Brassard. "Without all of you, where would we be in terms of sporting activities?"
The following volunteers were recognized for their efforts over the season with the following awards:
- Junior Assistant Coach of the Year Award: Leslie Beaton
- Junior Head Coach: Rob Wilson
- Senior Assistant Coach: Mike Fitzpatrick
- Senior Head Coach: Owen Mayville
- Junior Umpire: Avery Fitzpatrick
- Senior Umpire: David Clark
- Volunteer of the Year: Jeff Arsenault
- Special Service: Andrew Lamers
- Nine years of Service: Nicole Bhatia-Fellman
Arsenault received a special shout-out from Fellman.
"Running any association during COVID is difficult, all the regulations we had to deal with, and I'll tell you Jeff Arsenault was the backbone of our league this year," he said. "He was the director of house league, he was the coach, he took care of all the COVID protocols...made it all so simple and easy, we couldn't have done it without you."
Lamers was recognized for his contribution to the league. He committed to coaching for the 2021 season even though his own son wasn't able to play due to the pandemic.
"I thought that was very admirable for this coach to do that; that shows a lot of commitment," said Fellman.
Vice President of the league, David Clark made a special presentation recognizing retiring convener, Bhatia-Fellman, after nine years.
"Thank you so much for all your years of service," he said. "I'd like to thank her for all the service she has done for the community."
Mayor Dollin also thanked Bhatia-Fellman for her efforts. Bhatia-Fellman will be stepping down from her role next year.
"You put so many hours into this and do so much work, and it's so much appreciated," she said.
On behalf of the town, the mayor presented her with an Innisfil Cardinals jacket and congratulatory certificate.
Fellman thanked the dignitaries, volunteers, and players who came out for the special ceremony.
"It's great to know that our town supports us," said Fellman. "Hope to see you all back, and hopefully we have another great season next year."
To learn more about the IMBA and how to get involved, visit their website here.
