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Field dedicated to Millarville woman

A Millarville woman remembered for her dedication to her community will be memorialized at the new Seaman Sports Park near the hamlet.
Branden Powell, left, and his bother Kaiden at the new ball diamonds near Millarville on Apr. 23. Their mother, Tina Powell, passed away three years prior, and one of the
Branden Powell, left, and his bother Kaiden at the new ball diamonds near Millarville on Apr. 23. Their mother, Tina Powell, passed away three years prior, and one of the diamonds is named after her.

A Millarville woman remembered for her dedication to her community will be memorialized at the new Seaman Sports Park near the hamlet.

One of the two baseball diamonds opening west of the Millarville Racetrack on April 30 will be dedicated to the memory of Tina Powell, a loving mother of three boys and member of the Millarville community who was dedicated to her family and the sports community. Tina died on April 18, 2013 at the age of 47.

A large metal sign has been created by her husband Kevin and sons, as well as a local machinist and other community members. It will be erected behind the backstop of one of the new Millarville ball diamonds.

“It’s very important to all of us,” said Kevin Powell. “It’s one more permanent, lasting thing for the boys and I to remember Tina. It’s quite an honour the community would choose to do this for her.”

Powell said his wife was “just one of those loving and involved moms.” She took on the organization and administration of many sports programs in the area, he said, and was also very involved in coaching over the years.

She was instrumental in revitalizing volleyball at Millarville School, he said. Her work with the sport developed a quality program that has contributed to the success of volleyball at Oilfields High School, he said.

“They get involved early and play from a younger age than before, and really develop their skills, so the Oilfields program is stronger too,” said Powell. “That’s Tina. That’s how deep her influence has been.”

With three boys eager to tackle any sport they could get their hands on, Tina naturally took on any role necessary to make those teams succeed, from being a coach to organizing leagues, he said.

The Powell family has been deeply rooted in the sports community for decades. Powell chaired the Millarville Sports Association for 10 years, with his wife by his side.

“I needed lots of support in that role, and she was hugely supportive,” he said.

She was also one of the people behind the Turner Valley Triathlon, he said.

Beyond the sports community, Tina was also very involved in events like the Millarville Priddis Fair, he said. She also ran the Millarville playschool and preschool when their three boys were young.

“She was just involved in every activity as it related to her boys and the community,” said Powell. “It’s quite an honour for all of us.

“Giving her that memorial that will last forever and stand the test of time, something that my boys can bring their kids to enjoy as they grow, it feels good that they’ll have that.”

MD Coun. Jason Parker got to know Tina when they were both coaching volleyball at Millarville School. He and his wife had volunteered to lead the girls team, while Tina coached the boys.

“She was the most positive, happiest person,” said Parker. “I’m really happy to be able to name one of the fields in her honour.”

Parker said it’s a fitting tribute to a woman who has been deeply involved in the community for years.

“She’s one of those people who just contributed so much to the community and the sports community,” said Parker. “They’re a phenomenal sports family.”

The memorial is being paid for through fundraising by the Millarville Sports Association.

Damon Grover, association chair, said he could not think of a better way to honour a woman so involved in Millarville sports.

“Tina had a great impact on everyone in the community,” said Grover. “She was always involved with baseball and hockey, and soccer, whatever the boys were doing.

“The community who knows the Powell family has come together to build this memorial for Tina, and it’s a wonderful tribute to an incredible woman.”

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