The 2017 Caribbean Baseball Goodwill Tour will feature a local team this year as a bantam boys squad from the City of Winkler is headed to Varadero Cuba, Saturday.

"We are going to be playing four games against Cuban children. We are going to be able to tour the schools, hospital, police station, and we are having a kind of street party in their community, to actually see how they live," said team manager Allison Rempel.

This isn't the first time a team from the Pembina Valley has taken part in the Goodwill Tour, but will be a first for a team from Winkler.

Rempel stated they will be traveling to various communities around Varadero to play their games, with as much as an hour drive to play against different teams.

It's the Caribbean Baseball Goodwill Tours' goal to experience what most would only dream about. To give everyone involved a life learning experience that includes taking the much needed baseball equipment to countries that are considered to be the most talented, but very deprived in the availability of the equipment.

"These kids are under privileged kids, and this gives them an opportunity to play baseball. We are also bringing them over 500 pounds of baseball equipment to give to the kids. We're also bringing school supplies so they are also able to enjoy some of the nicer stuff we're able to enjoy here," added Rempel.

She noted this wouldn't have been possible without the help from the entire community, as they were able to collect $13,000 worth of baseball equipment and school supplies to bring with them.

The team will not only be playing baseball, and sharing the equipment with the Cuban children, but this is a great chance for the boys, coaches, and parents on the team to learn more about the Cuban way of life.

"I really hope they see the humanitarian need that is around the world. I hope that it opens their eyes and makes them grateful for what we are blessed with over here," explained Rempel. "I think it's just going to be such an experience that is going to follow them for life. I just hope it enriches their lives."

According to Rempel it would be great to see a Cuban team come back to Winkler in a couple of years and see what life is like here in Canada.