By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

OCEANIA Softball Federation development officer Andrew Purdon continues to conduct clinics in various public schools and is getting a positive response from students.
Purdon has held clinics at William S. Reyes Elementary School, Oleai, San Vicente, Kagman, Koblerville and Dandan in the past two weeks. On April 16, he will be demonstrating to students of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School and Tanapag Elementary School the fundamentals of fast-pitch softball.
After more than two weeks of conducting clinics at various schools, Purdon is encouraged with the response from students.
“They are very interested in fast-pitch softball. Their interest and attitudes are very positive,” Purdon said.
“Some of the kids have had experience catching, throwing and fielding, but I am teaching them the correct fundamentals,” the OSF official said.
When Purdon conducted a clinic at WSR, he taught students the proper way of under-arm pitching, and catching to prevent injuries.
“They know the basics, but still we need to improve their skills,” Purdon added.
When he is done with the series of clinics and his three-month stay on the island has ended, Purdon wants the community to get more involved in the sport.
“I would like to see fast pitch softball be one of the most popular sports in the CNMI. Softball is a game for the whole family,” Purdon said.
Specifically, he hopes women’s fast-pitch softball will get a big boost on the island.
“There are opportunities for the girls to get further education and to play a sport they love if they go to school in the mainland. The girls would be able to go to a community college or a 2-year school. If they do well, they may be picked up by a bigger school,” he added.
After the clinics, Purdon will be helping the Public School System and the CNMI Amateur Softball Association in holding a two-week fast-pitch softball tournament, which will feature various public elementary schools on Saipan.
The tournament will start on April 23 and will be played at various schools.
Purdon is hoping that after the PSS tournament, NMI softball officials will push for a bigger tournament, similar to those the Saipan Little League Baseball is conducting.