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Lifelong commitment to baseball nets Thornhill convenor civic hero award

YorkRegion.com
April 15, 2016
Simone Joseph

Perry Brock believes everyone should have the chance to play baseball.

He has worked for close to a decade to make that happen as convener for the Thornhill Baseball Club’s Diamond Division, ensuring children of all abilities can have fun playing baseball.

A lifelong baseball fan, he has been involved with the game for more than 40 years.

Brock has earned Ward 5’s Civic Hero Award, awarded by Vaughan Council in early April in recognition of his efforts to make baseball accessible to special needs children.

The Diamond Division allows children with developmental challenges to enjoy the benefits of a safe athletic environment structured to their abilities. Parents take part in the game with their children, and learn the fundamentals of baseball and how it feels to be part of a team.

“It is inspiring to see the amazing volunteer ethic we have in the City of Vaughan,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “It is people like Perry Brock who understand the value of public service and know that everyone should have a chance to participate no matter their ability level,” he said.

Thornhill Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman says Brock is exceptional.

“He acted on his passion to help young people who are developmentally challenged by creating an opportunity for them to play like other kids. His long-term commitment to his initiative has resulted in many hundreds of young people gaining skills and confidence in their abilities. Perry embodies everything a civic hero should be, and I thank him for his efforts to make our city more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”

The civic hero award is presented annually to residents from each of Vaughan’s five wards, recognizing outstanding achievement and individual contributions to the community.

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Perry Brock, seen here with members of Vaughan council, has worked for close to a decade as convener for the Thornhill Baseball Club’s Diamond Division.

Perry Brock, seen here with members of Vaughan council, has worked for close to a decade as convener for the Thornhill Baseball Club’s Diamond Division.