Donna and Jim Cook at the Zach Cook Memorial Charity Slo-Pitch Tournament. Submitted photo/Donna Cook

By Jeff D'Andrea

Cookerino

‘Zach is beaming from ear to ear’ after successful tournament

Jul 19, 2019 | 10:09 AM

The Zach Cook Memorial Charity Slo-Pitch Tournament had such a fitting ending on Saturday, that his mother Donna feels that Zach “had something to do with it” from heaven.

On Zach Cook Field at Lakeland Ford Park on Saturday night, the two teams that made it to the finals were blends of the teams Cook played for before losing his battle to cancer in 2017, the Nitro Donkeys and the Dr. Nitros.

And not only that, but both teams donated their prize money to the charity the tournament was for, Childhood Cancer Canada.

“This was overwhelming, we were so moved by their actions that words aren’t enough to say what it meant to us. It helps our hearts heal,” Zach’s mother Donna said. “It was not surprising that they wanted to have a moment of silence for Zach and donate their winnings back because that is the sort of wonderful, kind and generous people they are.

“They supported Zach and our entire family from the very beginning. They say a lot for the Prince Albert Slo-Pitch league. They are one big family who look out for each other.”

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In all, the tournament raised over $3,000 and there’s already interest for next year.

Zach’s father Jim said they’re hoping to expand the tournament to two days to raise even more money.

“It was emotional to see the players on Zach Cook Field and we looked for Zach everywhere,” Jim said. “During the game we could picture him on second base making double plays.”

In all, both Donna and Jim believe that this type of tournament to raise money for cancer, involving some of his closest friends, would be exactly what Zach would have wanted.

“Zach is beaming from ear to ear, we can see his big beautiful smile and hear him saying ‘thank you each and every one of you. Please keep spreading awareness so that no child has to suffer from cancer.’”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW