Falcons honour Cole Doneff
It’s more than just a baseball tournament this weekend at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls.
The Greater Niagara Baseball Association will host the Cole Doneff Memorial 16U Tournament beginning Friday in honour of the 16-year-old who tragically passed away in a fatal car accident Sept. 25, 2017, just a day after playing an exhibition game against McMaster University.
“Cole was a ball player, a gamer,” Falcons coach Geoff Allen said. “He was someone who truly loved being at the baseball field.”
Allen said Doneff is also remembered for his off-field contributions.
“He was also a great teammate both on the field and in the dressing room, which I believe is the best compliment you can give an athlete. He was the team DJ as well, can’t forget that!
“He was just a wonderful kid, from a wonderful family. Every team I coach will know who Cole Doneff is. I’m honoured to have coached him.”
Cole’s family, mother Krista, father Tim, step father Erik and sister Jordyn, as well as extended family, have been overwhelmed with the support they’ve received from the community since Cole’s passing. A Go Fund Me Page has raised over $38,000, which will be allocated to annual scholarships in Cole’s name at both his high school, Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, and his elementary school, Garrison Road Public School.
The tournament, which features 12 teams from across Ontario, begins Friday at 3 p.m. at Oakes Park with Halton Hills Eagles taking on the Scarborough Stingers. A ceremonial moment of silence will take place before the 6 p.m. game featuring the Niagara Falls Falcons and Ancaster Diamondbacks.
Falcons coach Rob Jones said his squad is honoured to be a part of the ceremony.
“We have all heard how much Cole loved baseball and we are so grateful to be able to help commemorate his life and love of the game,” Jones said.
Members of Cole’s family and friends will be on hand, as well as Allen’s current team who will be wearing their jerseys which include a patch with Cole’s number two above their hearts.
“It’s bittersweet, but Cole will be happy knowing there’s a game of baseball going on in his name, on the field he loved so dearly to play on,” Allen said.
To help support the Cole Doneff Memorial Fund please follow the link to the Go Fund Me page.
https://ca.gofundme.com/cole-doneff-memorial-fund
There will also be a raffle at Oakes Park on Friday with a number of great prizes which have been donated by sponsors.
For full tournament schedule and updates, check out gnbafalcons.com
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