High River Town Council made one local pitcher very happy yesterday afternoon. Ryan Woodward asked Council to sponsor him as he represents the town on the Canada-Cuba Goodwill Baseball Tour in April. Woodward says he was very excited with the response.

"I was actually kind of shocked, especially because they were so impressed I came up and showed in person.  They said yes, and they'll give me $500 for some flags and some pins to go."

He says the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and he is looking forward to it.

"I hope to learn about the lifestyle that these Cuban kids are living, and hopefully win a couple baseball games while I'm down there."

Woodward says he enjoys sports but baseball is his passion.

"I'm a pitcher, and I just get to focus on one thing.  I guess it's nice to know that a lot of people find me important when I'm pitching."

This is the first year a team from Alberta will go on the tour, and Woodward will be the only member to represent our town.  He is a student at Notre Dame Collegiate and plays with the High River Storm.