RANKIN INLET - The Rankin Inlet Co-ed Softball League has become more than just another sporting activity.

The league donated $5,000 to the hamlet for recreational programs earlier this month, marking the second time it has donated that amount to help encourage healthy living in the community.

Rankin Inlet Co-ed Softball League president Robert Connelly, right, presents Deputy Mayor Hamish Tatty with a $5,000 donation to recreational programs earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

League President Robert Connelly said the Rankin loop is considered softball, even though it's associated with Slo-pitch National.

"Our executive made it a priority to reinvest the funds we raise back into the community," said Connelly.

"We have extra funds from time to time because we have very little overhead costs associated with our league, especially when you compare it with a sport like hockey."

The Rankin league had 135 members in 2006 who all paid fees to participate.

Connelly said part of the money the league raises goes towards buying equipment and maintaining the field.

He said the league is able to contribute to other community groups because it raises more than it needs to operate.

"We've been able to expand the scope of what the league does during the regular season, such as hosting umpire clinics and sponsoring the annual Kivalliq youth softball tournament.

"The idea is to work hard every year and fundraise through bingo games, socials and other events to reinvest that money back into our community."

Connelly said both the executive and league members are happy to boost community spirit by helping out whenever they can.

"What better way to get to know people, especially newcomers to the hamlet, than to get involved with one or more of the community's sports activities?

"We're trying to be a role model for other organizations by putting back into the community and we'd like to see them do the same."

Connelly said more people have to get involved as volunteers for recreational activities to continue to grow.

He said too many programs depend on one or two people and would come crashing down if they decided to leave the community.

"I'm confident I could leave tomorrow and the Rankin co-ed softball league would run just fine.

"We have a good core executive and a solid membership who volunteer for every activity we have on the go, and that's important to us."