Saanich finally hosting Little League Championships after pandemic delay

Roughly 100 elite baseball players are getting ready to step up to bat at the Canadian Little League Championships in Saanich.

Layritz Little League is finally getting its chance to host the 10-day tournament at Layritz Park, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators from July 29 to Aug. 7.

“It’s amazing that it’s finally here,” said Graham Plumb, the club’s president. “This has been a long time in the planning.”

Those plans began in 2015, and the club was awarded the tournament in 2020 – before the pandemic got in the way.

“Because of COVID, we had to delay until 2025. So it’s been a long time coming,” said Plumb.

The event features the best teams from each Canadian province. They’re competing for a national title, which will advance the winning team on to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Some of the athletes competing in the Saanich-based tournament have already taken to the field, practicing ahead of opening ceremonies July 29 at 4 p.m.

Layritz Little League says there are 90 volunteers, filling 500 shifts – and local sponsors who’ve helped make the event happen.

“We’ve had community businesses donate to our park in order to run this tournament and so that brings the community together,” said Plumb. “It’s been really great.”

The games take place at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day and admission is free.