Thanks to the Jays Care Foundation [charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays], the Boys and Girls Clubs in Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Nanton areas are getting a huge lift.

The Jays Care Foundation has approved a grant application to the club and presented them with a $150,000 cheque for a brand new regulation size ball diamond.

Shirley Puttock, Executive Director of the Diamond Valley Boys and Girls Club says they applied for the grant back in December, and were the only organization in Alberta to receive one.

"We applied for the grant from the Jays Care Foundation back in December.  They let us know in April, that they were approving $150,000 to create a regulation size ball diamond here in Black Diamond." Puttock adds "Oh my gosh when I got the call I was five years old again, it was so exciting! We didn't expect it, and we're thrilled about it!"

Not only will it give youth in the community something to do, Puttock says, it will provide an opportunity for children in the club and out, a chance they may not have received otherwise to improve their lives.

"It's going to have a huge impact,  first of all, we have about 600 children and youth just in our three locations of Nanton, High River, and Black Diamond / Turner Valley.  It will be an opportunity for them to get physically active, learn the great sport of baseball, and to be part of a team." Puttock goes on to say "Physical Activity and sport can help improve kids performance in academics which contributes to their success in life."

Black Diamond Mayor Glen Fagan was in attendance as the cheque was presented, and he says they're thrilled to have the addition of a new diamond in Town.

Puttock says she couldn't have done it with out the help of the great communities she's a part of.

"Huge thank you to the Jays Care Foundation, the Town of Black Diamond, the Town of Turner Valley and the M.D. of Foothills for all their cooperation in getting us this piece of land, and helping us through this huge project."

Construction on the new arena will begin in October, as there are hopes of having it ready for next ball season.

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