Dear editor,
The 2016 Jay-Fidelis Rookie League All-Star Team would like to express our gratitude to individuals and businesses, and the community at large, for your support of our team to attend the Alabama 8U Cal Ripken State Tournament in Athens, AL from June 24-28.
The Jay Royals competed well against teams from Mobile and Semmes, finishing in the top 16, with an overall tournament record of 2-3. More important, the boys made memories while playing a sport they love, and practiced lifelong skills including teamwork, hard work, persistence and discipline.
The following local businesses generously donated funds to offset travel expenses to the state tournament: Baptist Hospital, Blackwater Sport Boats, D&M Truss Company, David's Catfish House (Brewton), Dura-Med Pharmacy & Soda Shop, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Farmers Country Market, Golden Gin & Warehouse, Gulf Coast Marine, Holland Farms, J&D Cleaners, Jay Garden, Kooter Browns of Jay, Moore Creek Mt. Carmel Utilities, Oakes Meat Processing, Panhandle Rural Health (Jay Medical), Prescott's Gas Company, R&R State Line Lotto, Royal Pharmacy, Santa Rosa County Federal Credit Union, Sweet Season Farms, United Bank, and Whip R-Wheel.
We are also grateful to business and organizations who donated services or supplies: Fidelis Community Park for Gatorades, Piggly Wiggly (Brewton) for Gatorades, J&D Cleaners for Cal Ripken Badge Application, Whip R-Wheel for snacks and candy, and Dollar General and Family Dollar for allowing the team to take donations outside your store.
Finally, we extend our appreciation to Jay Recreation Association and Fidelis Community Park for covering the tournament team admission fee.
For assistance in completing required tournament documentation and answering many questions, thank you to Lindsay Hill, Secretary/Treasurer of JRA; Rusty Steele, Former President of JRA; and Murray Johnson, Alabama Babe Ruth League District 7 Commissioner and Cal Ripken Atmore League President.
NATASHA GODWIN
Jay-Fidelis Rookie League
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: LETTER: Jay-Fidelis Rookie League All-Stars thank supporters