Baseball and Softball is a challenging game for boys and girls but participants have fun playing the game. Although their skills may not progress at the same level, baseball requires a dedicated team effort and victory is achieved with the efforts of the whole group and not by an individual.

A group of 15 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 meet at the Marsa Sports Complex to practice Baseball and Softball as part of KMS Skolasport’s programme, which is organised by Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS) and sponsored by Kellogg’s. Sessions are held on Saturday mornings between 9am and 10.30am.

Commenting on the game Patrick Pace, Baseball and Softball coach at KMS Skolasport said that the game gets more challenging at every level. “This is a thinking game which involves a lot of decision-making when in the offence as a batter runner and in the defence as a fielder”, he explained.

Baseball and Softball also help children develop agility, coordination, flexibility and balance. The decision-making element of the game helps them develop mentally. It also helps them understand the concepts of winning and losing.

One of the things that Mr Pace likes to emphasise is how the participants get along more and more after each session. This element of team building, which is also a fundamental aspect of baseball, helps the young players develop social skills.

Mr Pace added that most of former participants at KMS Skolasport join a club in the National Baseball league and some of them have been even selected for the national team.

Kellogg’s sponsors KMS Skolasport and its initiatives help to implement its philosophy and encourage young people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Further information about Baseball and Softball at KMS Skolasport can be obtained from Tanya Zahra, at the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport, Cottonera Sports Complex, Cottonera on telephone 21660658/9, fax 21660652, email [email protected] or visit www.sportmalta.org.mt.