SALISBURY – Mayor Karen Alexander will host a free baseball and softball camp for local youth Aug. 27 at Catawba College as part of the United States Conference of Mayors’ continued support of Major League Baseball’s “Play Ball Summer” initiative.

The program focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for kids in all communities.

“I am excited to host Major League Baseball’s Play Ball program right here in our community,” said Alexander. “Salisbury is a baseball and softball city — from the 2015 Rowan County Little League World Series Girls Softball Champions, to the boy’s baseball state champions, to the high number of former and current residents who have gone on to play baseball professionally.

“So, when the program was presented at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. earlier this year, I signed up the city of Salisbury immediately. I want to give a huge thank you to Catawba College’s baseball and softball coaches and team members for providing the equipment, the fields and leadership to make this event happen for our youth.”

This summer, mayors across the country, as part of the Conference of Mayors, are implementing the Play Ball initiative with the goal of exposing children to the national pastime and providing a fun opportunity to remain active throughout the summer and into the fall.

“This is truly an honor for us and for our Catawba athletes to share a game that we all love,” said Jim Gantt, Catawba College head baseball coach. “We hope to positively influence and teach fundamentals to all the youth who attend the clinic. We are all looking forward to this being a great experience this year, and hope that it can be a yearly event.”

Salisbury boys and girls ages 7 to 15 will receive instruction from the Catawba College baseball and softball teams at Newman park baseball field at 598 Summit Ave., from 9 a.m. until noon. Free transportation will be provided from Hall Gym and the Civic Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended by calling 704-216-2709.