Carine Cats Ball Club
Statement
Mr Liam Staltari (Carine) (12:53 pm): I rise to recognise the Carine Cats Ball Club and wish it all the best for the baseball, softball and tee-ball seasons that are now underway. In our community, the Cats is very special. From its humble origins in a meeting at Davallia Primary School way back in 1979, it has grown into a genuine powerhouse. It is among the biggest ball clubs in Australia. In fact, it may even be the biggest. It is rare to have a club that seamlessly integrates those three different ball games, but it does it so well. As a result, it gives players the chance to grow and learn over many years.
In October, it was my privilege to help launch their seasons. Each of them was different in its own way, but they are all part of the Cats family. Tee-ball packed Carine Open Space with hundreds of excited kids all in different colours with their parents watching on, while baseball began with a reflection on the life of club and baseball legend Greg Jelks. Many parents who grew up playing with the Cats are now helping out as volunteers and watching their kids play as well. That is nearly 50 years of teaching good sportsmanship, building community and encouraging good health across the generations. That is the best thing about the Cats. It really is part of the fabric of our community. It supports so many families and gives so much back.
In closing, I want to wish all the Cats the best on the pitch. Enjoy the game, the friends you make and every opportunity that being part of this amazing club gives you because it is just another reason why we are so lucky to live where we do. I look forward to supporting the Cats in the new year ahead.
