Contributions from one community organization will see a cash infusion supporting youth sports for years to come in Lac La Biche County. One of the three new ball diamonds associated with the $16 million Bold Center Outdoor Sports Fields Project received sponsorship for the local Elks of Canada lodge, this month.
The nationwide family-focused organization, which aims to progressively support community development, has purchased 10-year naming rights on Ball Diamond One for $25,000. The funding aligns with the organization’s commitment to support youth sports, according to Danny Stevens, president of Lac La Biche Elks Lodge No. 470.
“The Elks have always been active in the community here, especially with the youth. We put a lot of money into the community and when the opportunity came up, we talked about it and decided to sponsor the field,” he said.
“It's about the youth and we support all kinds of youth projects and activities.”
The naming right, which was officially approved last month during a Lac La Biche County meeting, comes after the original $2,500 per-year bid was supposed to see the official naming unveiled last June. The delay was due to county council requiring regulations on how naming facilities, exclusivity and infrastructure involvement determines eligibility. Aftern an amendment to the County Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy and approval of the naming rights, the official unveiling was held on Oct. 12.
Valuing the community
Partnering with community organizations that donate, acknowledge and value building a thriving community is rewarding for all, said John Usher, the County’s partnership coordinator.
“Service organizations such as the Elks are an integral part of the success of any community and we're happy to partner with the Elks,” Usher said, reflecting on his fond memories of accessing sports as a youth. “I think it's great for the kids. For me, growing up, sports was really important and I think for some kids in Lac La Biche it's a new direction and gets them to learn social skills.”
The multi-million dollar facility opened up earlier this year and has seen much use this summer from slo-pitch events on the three diamonds, alongside activities on the artificial turf football field, basketball courts, tennis/pickle ball court and running track, said Usher. Included in the outdoor sports facility is also a campground, spectator stands and scoreboards to add to the multi-use space.
More naming opportunities are available
Following the Lac La Biche Elks Lodge No. 470 unveiling on the ball diamond, there are much more community sponsorship opportunities available in the growing community, said Usher.
“We’re always looking to partner with other organizations and companies to support youth sport. …The Elks are the first to step up and support one of the components of the sports field and there will be other components that will follow in the years to come.”
