By Conner Tighe—
Muncie, IN—For many years, the Ross Community Center has advocated for the well-being of youth throughout the southside neighborhoods with the yearly Youth Little League program. With the strong financial support of the Ball Brother’s Foundation, IU Health Ball Memorial Foundation, Vectren Foundation, Lowe’s Foundation, and Project Reinvest, and with the support of local voices like previous mayor Dennis Tyler, construction of the two new ballfields began in 2016 and the fields were inaugurated in 2018. In 2018 and 2019, approximately 300 kids ages 4-12 participated in the youth leagues.
With the onset of the pandemic, the number of kids participating were limited, with approximately 92 kids participating in the program, according to the center’s executive director Jacqueline Hanoman. Two sanitizing stations were in place with three portable sinks where the kids and coaches had to wash their hands before they touched equipment and stepped on the field. This year, the center would like more participants to register for the program, while still abiding by COVID-19 sanitizing and social distancing guidelines.
“This program may be the first sports experience these kids experience,” says sports coordinator Jack McFarren. “It’s a great social component, and it’s awesome to give that experience to the kids.” This will be McFarren’s second summer working with the program after interning with the center last spring.
Sanitizing stations and portable sinks will be in place, and all players, coaches, and other volunteers will be required to sanitize or wash hands before playing. There will be sufficient equipment available to avoid sharing as much as possible. The sports equipment will be sanitized before and between practices and games. Practices start May 17.
To participate, you can register online and send the form to sports@rosscentermuncie.org or register in person at the center (1110 W 10th St.). The registration fee is $10. Players will receive hats and shirts. Donations are always welcome, as are sponsorships of a team or the league. For more information, call Jack McFarren or Jacqueline Hanoman at (765) 7474741 or email Jack McFarren at sports@rosscentermuncie.org.
