It was hard to tell which team was having more fun.
Smiles and laughs permeated Vic Rantio Field Thursday, June 20, at the Vernon Army Camp as the Special Olympics Tigers softball team took on their favourite opponents, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, in a friendly match.
The Tigers, decked out in their bright orange tops, were looking to make it two wins in as many years over the local constabulary, whose lineup Thursday included one player who yelled that she "hadn't played in 25 years," another who went to the RCMP cheer squad that filled the field's grandstand looking for a substitute player, and, of course, legendary mascot Safety Bear.
Safety Bear's swing of a softball bat was better suited to that of a swing dance routine.
Solid pitching from Rob Brown, steady defence – including a terrific running catch by shortstop Josh Robertson to rob media liaison officer Cpl. Tania Finn of a base hit – and some timely hitting propelled the Tigers to a huge 24-20 win over the RCMP.
Afterward, both teams exchanged pleasantries over some hot dogs, chips, and beverages.
It was the Tigers' final softball game of their season.
