In a touching convocation, Norma Colborn, a vivacious nonagenarian from the Saskatoon vicinity, was reunited with the softball team she initiated more than six decades ago in the charming hamlet of Delisle during the 1960s.
Today, at the ripe age of 94, Norma Colborn stands united with the members of her yesteryears’ softball ensemble, a team she once mentored with unwavering commitment.
“Some faces are difficult to recognize; they’ve advanced in years, as have I,” she articulated playfully.
Seeing the noteworthy individuals they’ve matured into brings her immeasurable delight.
“Those little girls, all grown up now…with families of their own. I, too, have a family of my own,” she expressed radiantly.
This nostalgic reunion was held at the Berry Barn, where they shared a meal and revisited their fondest memories while exchanging photographs from a time when they were trailblazers in women’s sports.
Reminiscing about the past, it’s unmistakable that the softball fields of Delisle, Saskatchewan were instrumental in their extraordinary journey during the 1960s.
Presently, these very grounds continue to cultivate the dreams of young girls in softball, serving as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Norma’s team.
Shirley Shockey, a past member of the team, highlights Norma’s significant contribution to Delisle’s softball panorama.
“Without Norma, Delisle wouldn’t have had a team. I firmly believe this. I know I have personally gained the most from this experience, as I then embarked on a wonderful softball career,” said Shockey.
Shockey, Norma’s younger sister and a former pitcher on the team, has since elevated her proficiency in the game by coaching Team Saskatchewan and spreading her passion for the sport worldwide, reaching countries as diverse as Belize and Austria.
This reunion ceremony serves as an echo of their modest beginnings and the substantial influence they’ve collectively wielded.
“Individual memories may fade, but when we begin to exchange reminiscences, it will be remarkable,” she declared, anticipating the opportunity to revisit the moments that defined their lives.
The rapport shared by the sisters, Norma and Shirley, is palpable as they credit their respective journeys to the influence they had on each other.
“I think I started because of my sister,” Norma acknowledged. “She wanted to play ball.”
