CFVI Receives $10,000 Contribution from AT&T to Support VI Little League

The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has received a $10,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation to establish the Virgin Islands Little League Fund at CFVI, the nonprofit announced today.

According to the release, the purpose of the Fund is to support the Virgin Islands Little League District, Inc. by providing monies for the activities of Virgin Islands Little League. The Fund will support the organization’s mission of promoting and enhancing the growth of youth participation in Virgin Islands Little League within both the District of St. Croix and the District of St. Thomas-St. John.

Thanks to VI Little League, student athletes ages 9-16 have the opportunity of participating in competitive baseball leagues, tournaments, and clinics. The VI Little League Fund will support team expenses for equipment, uniforms, field maintenance, travel, and training. In 2015, the VI Intermediate team competed in the Little League World Series. The organization’s recent expansion is attributed to the success of the Virgin Islands National teams along with its dedicated cohort of parents, coaches, and volunteers. In 2016, 1,200 children were enrolled in the Virgin Islands Little League, totaling 68 teams throughout the two districts.

The organization was introduced to the Territory in 1970 on St. Croix and four years later, expanded to the island of St. Thomas. According to Steve Parris, District Administrator for the VI Little League District, Inc., the organization continues to have a positive impact on the community.

“The little league helps to build character and teaches youth participants the importance of teamwork. Almost all of our community leaders are either former players or volunteers of the program. Children from different demographics and socio-economic status work and play together, understanding that each player has a role to play in the success of the team,” Parris said.

The VI Little League currently has 10 former participants playing in professional Major and Minor baseball leagues. “These professional athletes often return home to give back in a very special way by training and mentoring little league participants,” said Parris.

Donations to the VI Little League Fund can be mailed to the address below. Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Please reference “VI Little League” in the memo section.

CFVI is also accepting online donations at http://cfvi.net/donate/donate-fund.php.