A 65-year-old tradition continues as ENGAA opens play
By DENNIS C. WAY
21st Century Media
EAST NORRITON->>It’s been happening for 65 years.
So while most of the area was traveling under umbrellas Saturday morning, the 65th annual East Norriton Middle School Little League Opening Day ceremonies took place at Cole Manor Elementary School.
It wasn’t without its VIPs, as state representative Matt Bradford was on hand, along with the many volunteers that have made this annual event one of the best of its kind in the area.
“We have a lot of volunteers,” said Erika Organsky, who was overseeing the events of the day for third straight year. “We also have a lot of wonderful sponsors that support us, and that help us financially.
“We also have volunteers that maintain the fields and make sure they’re playable
“We got a late start this year because Easter fell in the middle of the month, but a lot of our leagues began play at the beginning of this month.”
The grounds of Cole Manor were stuffed with busy playing fields, raffle tables and running and smiling kids, who were decked out in the uniforms of their assigned teams.
“It’s fun, playing and running with my team,” said 7-year-old Joshua Wilson, who was there with his mother. “I like running and throwing the ball.”
As further explanation of her duties, Organsky said she’s also the safety coordinator and pointed out the field also has the use of an automated electronic defibrillator and added that using the Cole Manor playground facilities is an integral part of the site’s success.
“Parents say it’s perfect because their younger children can play on the playground equipment while they watch their older children play ball,” Organsky said. “I’ve been to the Whitpain facility because my son plays in two leagues, this one and over there, and when I went to their opening day all they had were the ceremonies, a few speeches and the games.
“We have so much more.”
And it’s been like that for 65 years.
