Yesterday, October 5th, would have been the birthday of our league founder Don “Pete” Petersen, so I thought, as we begin our second week of games in the league that he built 71 years ago, this would be a good time to pause for a few moments and say thank you.
Thank you Don for opening the back door at St. Pat’s school and calling the children playing there asking if they wanted to come in and play some basketball.
Thank you for recognizing that the children in your neighbourhood could have a safe place to learn the game skills, but also how valuable being on a team and contributing to the league as a volunteer would be for their life skills.
Thank you for instilling in your volunteers that if you are there as a volunteer, you are there for the kids, and not for any compensation.
Thank you for being a good listener, and a sounding board for so many children and adults over your lifetime when any of us just needed or wanted someone to talk to.
Thank you for being patient with the leadership you selected to manage the league, and allowing them to find their way in those roles with guidance but not interference.
Most of all, thank you for being a mentor and friend to countless people, both young and old, throughout your life. You were a life changer for some, and a constant companion even today. Yours is a life and a legacy worth celebrating every day, and a reminder that today’s volunteers, along with all that came before us, are difference makers in the lives of the players and the families in your league because you gave us the chance to be part of something special. Thank you for that chance Pete. Roland
