2019 Nipissing Warrior Days Slo-Pitch Tournament a grand slam
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION— Randy Penasse hit a homerun in community spirit by coordinating the 2019 Nipissing Warrior Days Slo-Pitch Tournament August 16-18.
The stands were full as The Purple Helmets rose to victory from the eight-team lineup in the three days.
Penasse, with his many years of experience in planning slo-pitch tournaments, organized this year’s Nipissing Warrior Days with the intent to bring everyone together – to have a big get together.
“I wanted to create something similar to the old parish picnics. They were family gatherings with fish frys, crown and anchor, and horse shoes. And there was always a ball tournament on the side,” explained Penasse. “My primary focus was to bring people together in one place. A lot of the Elders like watching ball. Fans come out just to see their own kids and nephews or nieces are playing.”
“That’s what I remember about the parish picnics back in the 80s and early 90s was that everyone was together,” he continued. “From my personal memories, it was the one time during the year that my mom’s family and my dad’s family were at the same place. The entire community was all in one place.”
Funds raised by the tournament will benefit the Nipissing First Nation Host Committee of the 2020 Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Tournament on March 15-19.
All of the teams were excited for night play as Penasse rented high powered lights. He says the tournament was small to start off, but Penasse wants it to grow.
“Speaking with my elders, they all told me those picnics didn’t start off really big either. It was just a small group of people that were doing it at the beginning,” he recalled. “Eight teams is good to start with a relaxed schedule. There is enough time to make up for any delays. We were also able to start later in the mornings. People use the weekends to enjoy each other’s company at fires at night.”
More attractions are in store for the next Nipissing Warrior Days Slo-Pitch Tournament says Penasse.
“I want to shoot for a bouncy castle for kids. I have an idea too about penny-sales.”
To help grow the tournament, Penasse will be inviting support from sponsors.
“If we can get help with financing the attractions, they will be happening. I’ve already been in touch with some local bands and they are interested. They are saying they would love to come and play,” expressed Penasse. “That was the essence of the picnics back in the day. The community came together to make it happen. They all volunteered. This year, everyone was excited so I got a lot of help.”