Cooleemee believes that ball players need to start early in life and keep on going until they’re ready to play in heaven.
That’s why the town’s recreation department will be starting with the youngest pool of talent when they hold its first T-Ball Camp on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at the Cooleemee Ball Field.
If you have children ages 3-7 years-old who are already showing signs of wanting to “play ball,” this two-day camp is a perfect fit. Registration forms will be sent home through Cooleemee Elementary School or you can pick one up at Town Hall or the Zachary House (open Saturdays 10-4 pm).
Registration forms need to be in by June 14 so that children can receive a camp T-shirt. For Cooleemee kids, a $5 fee will cover the two-day camp including snacks and drinks. Other children are welcome but their fees will be $15.
The 12th Annual Cooleemee Old-Timers Games will be held on Saturday, June 18. To play, men need to be 50 or over and have once played on any Cooleemee team. The men’s game will begin 3:30 p.m. at the local ball park behind the Cooleemee Volunteer Fire Department.
The Women’s Game begins earlier at 2 p.m. To play, you must be 40 or older. There will be plenty of hot dogs, cold drinks and snacks for sale at the concession stand with proceeds going to the town Recreation Department. Sandra Ferrell and Jessica Lagle ask that players call 704-284-2141 beforehand so they have time to order souvenir player shirts.
Does your business, church or group of friends want to enter a team? New and existing teams are welcome to play on Saturday, June 25 at a Cooleemee Men’s Softball Tournament. The team registration fee is $150. A trophy will be awarded to the winning team. Deadline for registration is June 14 at Town Hall.
This new tournament is a benefit for the town’s recreation department, which is now providing many new avenues for children and adults to “get out” and “come play.” It is in the process of repairing and painting the old tennis courts, holding several summer camps to be announced soon, as well as preparing the ball field for a possible fall softball league.
The community is urged to come out at watch these ball games for free. Sit in the bleachers or bring a lawn chair. For more information call the recreation department at 704-284-2141, email them at coolrecdept@gmail.com or drop by town hall from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.