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Finish line in sight to rename ball diamond

Apr 21, 2017 | 2:00 PM

If all goes according to plan, Prime Ministers’ Park could become the home of Shaye Amundson Field.

On Monday, city council is expected to vote on a $67,500 naming rights deal with Project Triple Play to rename ball diamond #3 after the 18-year-old Prince Albert Minor Softball Association player who tragically died in a vehicle collision last year.

Her death sparked a fundraising campaign called We Play for Shaye, which aims to raise money to rename the ball diamond in her honour. If approved, the naming rights deal would be in place for 10 years.

Ian Litzenberger, the chair of Project Triple Play, said he’s excited about the news.

“We have a pretty dedicated committee who worked tirelessly on our fundraising efforts to get to the position to be able to be confident enough to take this to council for approval,” he said. “It’s really exciting news we’re now at this stage. We still have a bit of fundraising to do but as an organization, we’re extremely confident that we have the finish line in sight.”

He explained the campaign has received a lot of support from area communities include Debden and Big River in addition to Prince Albert. He called support instrumental to reaching that goal.

Litzenberger said both Amundson and her whole family have been crucial members of the softball organization. He said it’s important to recognize members in the organization as everyone involved is considered family.

“When something tragic like that happens and someone leaves us far too soon and they made such an impact on the community, the sports and all the people around them, I think it is very important that we take time and we remember those people,” he said.

Amundson was killed on June 28 after her vehicle rolled into a body of water near Debden. She attended the community’s public high school where she graduated with honours. She was planning on continuing her education by going to the University of Lethbridge, according to her obituary.

Litzenberger added there are plans to use some of the remaining money to erect a memorial for Amundson.

 

Jeff.labine@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @labinereporter